A concise guide to what this pivotal stage is really about and why it matters for young players and national teams alike.
The draw for the elite round of the 2022-2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship took place in December 2022. Twenty-seven teams advanced from the qualifying round to join Portugal, already qualified for this phase as one of the top-ranked sides.
Denmark, the opening fixture in Spain
Elite round of the European Under-19 Championship: what it is, which teams participate, what the tournament aims to achieve, and why the Spanish squad is part of it
The elite round comprises seven groups, each linking to a mini-tournament scheduled from March 22 to March 28. The group winners earn a place in the final tournament, joining hosts Malta for the decisive phase held from July 3 to July 16.
Groups:
Elite round groups (March 22-28)
Group 1: France (host), Romania, Norway, Northern Ireland
Group 2: Germany (host), Belgium, Italy, Slovenia
Group 3: Ukraine, Spain (host), Denmark, Luxembourg
Group 4: Portugal (host), Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden
Group 5: Republic of Ireland (host), Greece, Estonia, Slovakia
Group 6: Serbia, Poland (hosts), Israel, Latvia
Group 7: England (reigning champion, host country), Turkey, Iceland, Hungary
Spain matches
Known as La Rojita, Spain aims to reach Malta’s Euro U-19 final stage with a campaign that opens against Denmark on March 22, continues with Luxembourg on March 25, and concludes against Ukraine on March 28.
Note: the elite round serves as a critical stepping stone for young players aiming to showcase talent on a continental stage, with the ultimate goal of earning a spot in the finals and a chance to lift the trophy in Malta. Each group winner advances, while the other teams observe the outcomes and plan for the next cycle.