In 1996 the tournament expanded to 16 teams, since it was easier for European nations to qualify for the than their own continental championship; 14 of the 24 teams at the , and World Cups had been European, whereas the European Championship finals still involved only eight teams.
France beat bids of Turkey 7—6 in voting in the second voting round and Italy, which had the fewest votes in the first voting round.
As a result, Seville will host the matches that were set for Bilbao.