MLS contingent dealt a tough draw for UEFA Euro 2016

Sebastian Giovinco - Toronto FC - Montreal Impact - Laurent Ciman

UEFA held the draw for Euro 2016 on Saturday, and it looks like the Group of Death will be the Group of MLS.  


Three out of four teams from Group E could feature MLS players, with Toronto FC star and league MVP Sebastian Giovinco and New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo likely to suit up for Italy, LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane and Colorado Rapids forward Kevin Doyle both in the mix to make Ireland’s team and Montreal Impact center back and MLS Defender of the Year Laurent Ciman a candidate to make Belgium’s roster for next summer’s tournament in France. Sweden, featuring mercurial striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is the fourth team in what looks to be the competition’s toughest group.



Sporting Kansas City forward Krisztian Nemeth and Hungary should have a slightly easier road to the knockout round, as they were drawn with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Iceland and Austria in Group F.


England and Wales were drawn together in Group B, where the UK neighbors will be joined by Russia and Slovakia. Euro 2012 champs Spain were placed in Group D with the Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia, while 2014 World Cup champs Germany are in Group C with Poland, Northern Ireland and Ukraine.


Euro 2016 will kick off on June 10, when hosts France will open the tournament against Romania at Stade de France outside Paris. The top two teams from each of the six groups and the top four third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16.


Group A

France
Romania
Albania
Switzerland


Group B

England
Russia
Wales
Slovakia


Group C

Germany
Ukraine
Poland
Northern Ireland


Group D

Spain
Czech Republic
Turkey
Croatia


Group E

Belgium
Italy
Republic of Ireland
Sweden


Group F

Portugal
Iceland
Austria
Hungary