Qualification period for the 2026 European Athletics Championships

The 2026 European Athletics Championships are scheduled to take place in Birmingham, United Kingdom, from August 10 to August 16, 2026. The European Athletics Association has established a 12-month qualifying window for direct entry, running from July 27, 2025, to July 26, 2026. Athletes must achieve specific performance standards or qualify via the 'Road to Birmingham' ranking system. This ranking is based on an athlete's top five results, supplemented by performances at the 2024 European Championships in Rome. Since direct entry standards are high, most participants will be determined through this specialized ranking. National championships, classified as category B events, provide critical points for these rankings. Many countries are scheduled to hold their national championships on the final qualifying weekend of July 25-26, 2026. Athletes are currently monitoring their standing as the selection deadline approaches.