June 10, 2026
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Euro 2026: Qualifying Drama, Dark Horses, and the Nations Primed for Summer Glory

With the 2026 European Championship draw complete, we analyse the tournament structure, the favourites, and the dark horses to watch this summer.
By Football Correspondent
May 16, 2026 · 6:47 PM · 0 views

The draw for the 2026 UEFA European Championship has been made, and the footballing world is now focused on what many expect to be the most competitive European tournament in history.

The Favourites

France go in as bookmakers' favourites, led by Kylian Mbappé who has spent the past two seasons proving he is the best player on the planet. England, perennial nearly-men, come in as second favourites with arguably the nation's most talented squad since 1966. The pressure on their manager to finally deliver is immense.

The Dark Horses

Portugal, with a post-Ronaldo generation coming into its own, look dangerous. Austria — with a tactical identity forged by manager Ralf Rangnick over four years — have the pressing intensity to upset anyone.

Austria are the team nobody outside the country talks about and the team most coaches in the tournament are most worried about.

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