The UEFA European Championship is the main football competition of the men's national teams governed by UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations). Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations' Cup, changing to the current name in 1968. Starting with the 1996 tournament, specific championships are often referred to in the form "Euro 2008" or whichever year is appropriate. Prior to entering the tournament, all teams other than the host nations (which qualify automatically) compete in a qualifying process. Spain have participated in eleven European Championships, from which they won three titles. Spain became European champions as hosts in 1964, in 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, and in 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Overall record 1964 European Nations' Cup Final tournament Semi-finals Final Euro 1980 Group stage Euro 1984 Group stage Knockout stage Semi-finals Final Euro 1988 Group stage Euro 1996 Group stage Knockout stage Quarter-finals Euro 2000 Group stage Knockout stage Quarter-finals Euro 2004 Group stage Euro 2008 Group stage Knockout phase Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final Euro 2012 Group stage Knockout phase Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final Euro 2016 Group stage Knockout phase Round of 16 Euro 2020 Group stage Knockout phase Round of 16 Quarter-finals Semi-finals Goalscorers Notes References Countries at the UEFA European Championship Euro