A Step-By-Step Guide To Becoming Obsessed With The Euros As A Canadian

You might be thousands of miles away in Canada, but the excitement of Euro 2020 is not something to miss, no matter where you are in the world.

This tournament involves Europe's best soccer (or football) teams, with some of the greatest players in the world all battling for one of the most highly sought-after trophies in the world of sports.

Even if you don't have a team to support, you'll be able to find something (or someone) to love about this year's tournament, which was delayed from last year due to the pandemic.

Read on to find out about your new favourite team and players, as well as a few tips on where to watch and enjoy one of the best sporting occasions on Earth.

How can I watch Euro 2020?

Euro 2020 runs from June 11 to July 11, and Canadians can watch the games via TSN (all the games) or CTV (games on the weekend). If you have cable, you should be good to go. If you don't, though, you can pay $20 for a month-long subscription to the TSN streaming service.

At this point, that month-long subscription will get you all of the remaining games in the tournament.

Where can I watch Euro 2020?

Many local pubs and restaurants will be showing the games throughout the next month, but some will have a better atmosphere than others.

In Toronto, the massive multi-coloured patio at RendezViews is showing games on its big screen, with a nice view behind it as well.

Meanwhile, you can head to neighbourhoods like Little Portugal or Little Italy to find lots of local sports bars with access to the games, too. (Just don't show up wearing the wrong shirt!)

In Vancouver, the Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery has plenty of TV screens and just as many (if not more) excited fans within. And in Calgary, Home & Away is showing the Euro 2020 games alongside their wings, beer and tater tots.

Who should I support at Euro 2020?

If your parents or grandparents are from one of the 24 countries involved in the competition, then great news — you've got your team to support! But if not, there are a few other ways to pick a team.

If you like an underdog, the lowest-ranked team in the competition is North Macedonia, which is ranked 62nd in the world (still eight places above Canada!). Finland — making its first-ever appearance at a major tournament — is also a good pick for people who don't like the favourites.

Wales and Scotland — typical underdog rivals for England — have great plucky teams in this year's tourney.

If you want to celebrate winning something (Leafs fans, looking at you), then your best bet may be Belgium, the highest-ranked team in the world and current tournament favourites, but Portugal — the winners of the 2016 Euros — is a safe bet as well.*

Hockey vs. Soccer

If you're a hockey fan who's stopped watching the playoffs (sorry, Leafs fans, you get another mention), then there are plenty of choices for you.

Canucks fans might want to support Sweden, the home country of star centre Elias Pettersson. Jets fans might want to side with Nikolaj Ehlers and support Denmark. And Canadiens fans can pick the country of their legendary former captain Saku Koivu and support Finland.

But if you want the truly emotional story of the competition, we suggest Denmark. Their star player Christian Eriksen recently collapsed during a game and needed CPR on the pitch before heading to hospital and beginning his recovery. The Danish national team is playing for a lot more than just the trophy this year.

Why Should I watch Euro 2020?

The atmosphere of sports games has been lacking in Canada this past year, so watching the Euros is a reminder of just how exciting live sports with a crowd is.

Take Hungary, for instance, which played against Portugal with a stadium of, reportedly, over 60,000 fans. That many passionate people in one place is a must-watch, no matter which sport you prefer.

And if you want to take in the excitement in person, find a local pub that's showing the games. Whether you live in Little Portugal, Little Italy or not, you'll find excited people who will make for a great experience.

*This article has been updated.