JERUSALEM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Wales and Israel have been selected as hosts for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, announced UEFA on Tuesday.

While Wales had hosted the Women's U19 EURO final tournament in 2013, Israel took on the role for the U17 EURO in 2022 and the Women's U19 EURO in 2015. It will be the first time Israel will hold Europe's U19 championship. Northern Ireland will play host to the event next year and Romania, in 2025.

The 2026/27 finals in Israel will be the first edition played under a new three-stage qualifying format with the qualifying round starting in 2026. The final tournament will remain an eight-team event, including the host nation, according to UEFA.

Italy won the 2023 title in Malta by besting Portugal 1-0 in the final.