It's still a while before the first ball rolls at Euro 2028, but that certainly doesn't mean we can't start looking ahead. Which countries are among the favorites for Euro 2028? Who has the strongest squad? And which country would we currently point to as the biggest contender for the European title? A lot can still change on the way to 2028. Players get injured, young talents break through, and national coaches come and go. Yet a clear group of countries is already beginning to emerge. For us, one country stands out slightly above the rest: France is currently the top favorite for Euro 2028. Behind them are Spain, England, Portugal, and Germany, among others. And the Netherlands? Oranje certainly belongs to the countries you should keep an eye on. Want to learn more about the tournament itself first? Then also check out our overview with everything you already need to know about Euro 2028.
1. France: the top favorite for Euro 2028
If we had to pick one country today as the favorite for the European title, we would choose France. The main reason is simple: quality and depth. France has had an extraordinary number of top players for years, and that seems unlikely to change anytime soon. With Kylian Mbappé, France also has an absolute global superstar who will still be in his prime footballing years during Euro 2028. Behind him stands a generation with players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, William Saliba, and Michael Olise. And as with almost every major tournament, new talents are likely to emerge in France leading up to 2028. It is precisely this broad squad that makes France so dangerous. If an important player drops out, there's often a player of international top level ready right away. That’s why France is our early top favorite for Euro 2028.
2. Spain: perhaps the biggest competitor
If France is number one, Spain is right on their heels. Spain might have the most interesting young generation in Europe. Players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Nico Williams already have experience at the highest level and will likely only become more important by 2028. Added to that, Spain has proven during major tournaments that they can control matches. Technical skill, lots of movement, and players comfortable on the ball remain hallmarks of the Spanish team. And the big advantage? Many of the current mainstays will still be relatively young in 2028. A France versus Spain matchup could very well be the dream final of Euro 2028.
3. England: home advantage can make a big difference
England naturally also counts among the favorites. Euro 2028 will be hosted in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, with Wembley playing a starring role once again. The semifinals and final will be held in London. If England advances far, the home crowd could be a huge factor. But even without that advantage, England has a squad to reckon with. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer are part of a generation that offers enormous technical and attacking possibilities. The big question for England is almost traditional: can they turn all that individual talent into a trophy at the crucial moment? On home soil, they’ll definitely have a huge chance in 2028.
4. Portugal: immense quality
Portugal shouldn't be overlooked. The Portuguese squad is full of players active at European top clubs. Particularly in midfield and defense, Portugal has immense technical quality. Players like Vitinha and Nuno Mendes could become absolute leaders of the team by 2028, while the strong Portuguese youth academy continuously produces new players. By the time the Euros start, Portugal will likely look different than in previous tournaments, but the amount of talent remains huge. Portugal already belongs to the list of serious contenders.
5. Germany: never count out a big tournament
Germany and the European Championship is a combination you can never completely ignore. The Germans have players like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, who will be at a fantastic age in 2028. If Germany can build a stable team around them, they could quickly become a serious title candidate again. Germany also has something that always plays a role in tournament football: experience in winning. Maybe Germany isn't quite at the top of the Euro 2028 favorites list at the moment, but no one will want to face Germany once the knockout stage begins.
6. The Netherlands: outsider or real title contender?
And of course, there’s Oranje. Can the Netherlands win Euro 2028? It’s far too early to say for sure, but the Netherlands has enough quality to be considered an outsider for the title heading into 2028. Much will depend on the development of the current generation and the players who break through in the coming seasons. At an international tournament, it’s not just about having the best eleven players. The draw, form, injuries, and even one moment in a knockout match can decide a whole tournament. The Netherlands seems to be just behind the very top favorites for now. But if Oranje hits form heading into summer 2028, no one will want to draw them.
Who are the favorites for Euro 2028?
If we make a provisional ranking at this moment, it looks like this to us:
1. France
2. Spain
3. England
4. Portugal
5. Germany
6. The Netherlands
Behind them, of course, are many other countries that could emerge. Italy, for example, remains a football nation with a huge history, while undoubtedly toward 2028 there will be a country that we don’t yet see as a title contender. And this unpredictability is exactly what makes tournament football so exciting.
A lot can still change on the road to 2028
A prediction made almost two years before a European Championship should certainly be taken with a grain of salt. Qualification still needs to be played, the final participants aren’t yet known, and by summer 2028 the balance of power could be completely different. Maybe a new global star will break through somewhere. Maybe one of the favorites will struggle with a weaker generation or injuries. And maybe a surprising country will suddenly appear in the semifinals. That’s exactly what makes predicting so interesting.
Who do you predict as European champion?
France is our early favorite, but ultimately it’s all about your own prediction. France? Spain? England at Wembley? Or maybe the Netherlands? As the Euros get closer, it will also be more fun to pit those predictions against friends, family, or colleagues in a football pool. Want to make your football pool even more fun than just filling in results? Then also check out our 10 ideas to make your football pool even more fun. One thing we do know for sure: by the time Euro 2028 begins, everyone will think they know exactly who’s going to be European champion. And a month later, almost everyone will probably be wrong.