Slovenia is one of the most sports-focused countries in the world taking into consideration the number of top athletes and the organisation of competitions at the highest level. Many times, the nation has proven to be quite an excellent organiser of sports competitions. During the COVID-19 epidemic, Slovenia observed strict health and safety measures and ensured appropriate conditions for sports teams, thus proving itself to be an exemplary organiser of competitions in so-called “bubbles”.
This year, spring in Slovenia will be marked by football. Along with Hungary, Slovenia will co-host the UEFA European Football Under-21 Championship. The championship is divided into two stages: the group stage will take place from 24 to 31 March, and the knockout stage that starts on 31 May and ends with the finals on 6 June 2021.
Four Slovenian cities (Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Koper) and four Hungarian cities (Budapest, Győr, Székesfehérvár, Szombathely) will co-host the matches of the top 16 young European football teams. The first and the final matches will take place in Slovenia. On 24 March, the first match will take place at the Ljudski Vrt Stadium in Maribor between Slovenia and Spain, the latter competing to defend its European title in this age category. The finals will take place at the Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana on 6 June 2021. The group stage in Slovenia will host matches in groups B and D.
Group A (Székesfehérvár, Budapest)
Group B (Maribor and Celje)
Group C (Győr, Szombathely)
Group D (Koper and Ljubljana)
Football is one of the most popular sporting activities in the world, so the expectations with regard to spectatorship via different media and social channels are quite significant. More than 153 million viewers around the world will watch the event via direct broadcasts on national and foreign TV networks and via live streaming. 96 million interactions and video views are expected in terms of social media engagement for the event.
Find out more about the Slovenian stadiums that will host the European footballers at the Under-21 Championship.
Slovenian Football Association
The central Slovenian stadium in Ljubljana is a modern facility and the largest stadium in Slovenia hosting competitions at the national and international levels.
Slovenian Football Association
The Ljudski vrt Stadium is almost a sacred sanctuary for the people of Maribor, as football is very important in the city that boasts the oldest grapevine in the world.
Slovenian Football Association
The Arena Petrol Stadium in Celje is home to football in Celje and has hosted many important international football competitions in recent years.
Slovenian Football Association
Koper is one of those Slovenian cities that has good reason to be proud of its football tradition. The Bonifika Stadium has a rich history of hosting many important competitions.
Slovenia is quite a phenomenon when it comes to sport. This nation of 2 million people has 7,000 categorised athletes. More than two thirds of the population participate in recreational sports. Rated by the number of Olympic medals per person, Slovenia ranks among the top countries in the world. Since last year, Slovenia has also had its own national holiday dedicated to sport.
Each Slovenian city due to host this year’s European Football Under-21 Championship has its own charm. The Green Capital, the city with the oldest grapevine in the world, the city of princes, and the city of a hundred suns are only a few of the symbols that are a reflection of their souls.
The town of princes with rich archaeological treasures, a modern urban vibe, and a green soul.
This picturesque historical town with its own green surroundings is a bridge between the Karst and the Sub-Mediterranean world.
The Styrian capital at the base of the green Pohorje Mountains
Ljubljana. Vibrant. Lively. A city that combines the charm of a small capital and the confidence of big European cities.
The European Football Association (UEFA) joins other sports organisations that that have used their reputations to take an active part in raising awareness about climate change and the importance of environmental conservation. The new campaign with the slogan “Cleaner air – better game” focuses on raising awareness of the importance of clean air and stressing the threats of air pollution for the future of the game in Europe.
The first concrete steps will be taken at the European Under-21 Championships hosted by Hungary and Slovenia, the world's first green destination, which has been an example of good practice in promoting sustainable operation and development for many years. The following activities for the promotion of sustainability and clean environment/air are planned as part of this campaign:
Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
Play interactive videoWatch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
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Throughout history, there have been many famous and successful Slovenian football players who have attained prominence on a global scale. Marko Elsner and Srečko Katanec were the members of the bronze medal-winning Yugoslav team at the Olympics in Los Angeles. Brane Oblak wore the football jerseys of the former Yugoslavia and Germany’s Bayern Munich. One of the most famous names in football is Zlatko Zahović. A new generation of Slovenian footballers are now achieving success on international football pitches, including the ambassadors of the European Football Under-21 Championship, Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) and Josip Iličić (Atalanta Bergamo).
Atletico Madrid’s goalkeeper is one of the best and the fifth most expensive goalkeeper in the history of football.
This Slovenian midfielder spent most of his professional career playing for Italian clubs. He also has extensive playing experience on the Slovenian national team.
With its diversity and three different climate types, Slovenia has the perfect conditions for a variety of outdoor activities. Slovenians love nature. We usually put on our hiking boots, hop on our bikes, or get on our skis in winter. Clear waters beckon us to enjoy water experiences, and even adrenaline buffs have many options for spending a great time in Slovenia.
If, while watching the European Football Under-21 Championship, you become tempted to discover Slovenia, here are some reasons why you should put it on your future travel list.
Slovenia in the eyes of the global media and the country’s top features that will inspire you to plan your visit.
Must-see attractions in green Slovenia!
Feel the beneficial effects of the green natural environment in Slovenia.
Love is experienced through the stomach.
In its small corner of the world, Slovenia is the only European country lying at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain.
Rest, relax and enjoy the soothing power of thermal waters and wellness treatments.
10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2023.
Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.
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