The Romania Euro 2024 squad heads into the tournament full of confidence, having qualified with an unbeaten record.
They're also at a major tournament for the first time since their entirely forgettable presence at Euro 2016. Following a dismal 2022/23 Nations League - they were relegated behind a trio of teams who aren't in Germany this summer - the Tricolorii responded with impressive resolve to top their Euro 2024 qualifying group unbeaten. Resilience and team spirit have taken them this far, even if the 1990s flair of Messrs Hagi, Popescu, Petrescu et al is a long way in the rearview mirror.
Though they've not got too many A-listers in their side, this is a well-organised side that boasts the son of legendary Gheorge Hagi, Ianis, who's currently at Rangers.
Elsewhere, Tottenham centre-back Radu Dragusin leads the backline, while Nicolae Stanciu and George Puscas are reliable faces in this side. With Stanciu and Razvan Marin the only two players with more than 50 caps, however, this is a young team that may well grow with an eye on future tournaments.
Preparation has not exactly filled many with confidence, though. Two goalless draws against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein haven't given Romania the boost they were looking for, with their last win coming last November. That was against the Swiss, though – and they were unbeaten in qualifying.
The group stage will be more difficult. Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine are in Romania's group and manager Edward Iordanescu knows that many aren't even predicting so much as a win from those three games. Can they upset the odds?
FourFourTwo will also be covering every Euro 2024 squad at the tournament, bringing you all the latest on the group stages, how to watch each game and all the fixtures worth knowing about.
VIDEO: All You Need To Know About Euro 2024
Romania Euro 2024 squad
Romania Euro 2024 squad: The full 26-man team
- GK: Florin Niță (Gaziantep)
- GK: Horațiu Moldovan (Atlético Madrid)
- GK: Ștefan Târnovanu (FCSB)
- DF: Nicușor Bancu (Universitatea Craiova)
- DF: Andrei Burcă (Al-Okhdood)
- DF: Ionuț Nedelcearu (Palermo)
- DF: Adrian Rus (Pafos)
- DF: Andrei Rațiu (Rayo Vallecano)
- DF: Radu Drăgușin (Tottenham Hotspur)
- DF: Vasile Mogoș (CFR Cluj)
- DF: Bogdan Racovițan (Raków Częstochowa)
- MF: Nicolae Stanciu (Damac)
- MF: Răzvan Marin (Empoli)
- MF: Alexandru Cicâldău (Konyaspor)
- MF: Ianis Hagi (Alavés)
- MF: Dennis Man (Parma)
- MF: Valentin Mihăilă (Parma)
- MF: Marius Marin (Pisa)
- MF: Darius Olaru (FCSB)
- MF: Deian Sorescu (Gaziantep)
- MF: Florinel Coman (FCSB)
- MF: Adrian Șut (FCSB)
- FW: George Pușcaș (Bari)
- FW: Denis Alibec (Muaither)
- FW: Denis Drăguș (Gaziantep)
- FW: Daniel Bîrligea (CFR Cluj)
Romania Euro 2024 predicted XI and formation
Romania Euro 2024 squad numbers
Romania fixtures and results
March 22: Romania 1–1 Northern Ireland, Arena Naţională, Bucharest, Romania
March 26: Colombia 3–2 Romania, Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain
June 4: Romania 0-0 Bulgaria, Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania
June 8: Romania 0-0 Liechtenstein, Stadionul Steaua, Bucharest, Romania
June 17: Romania v Ukraine, Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
June 22: Belgium v Romania, RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany
June 26: Slovakia v Romania, Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany
Romania manager: Edward Iordanescu
Edward Iordanescu, the son of legendary USA 94 quarter-final manager Anghel, has built a solid name in his own right by guiding a demoralised group to a major finals. The 45-year-old's cautious tactical approach and implacable faith in his squad have inspired belief to prove critics wrong and earned him plenty of plaudits.
Romania's star player
Nicolae Stanciu
Captain Nicolae Stanciu is the engine that drives Romania on. The diminutive No.10 may be no Gheorghe Hagi, but he has enough attacking quality to at least inherit the Maradona of the Carpathians' number. A solid runner who is now with Damac in Saudi Arabia, the 31-year-old isn't afraid to attempt a dribble, tackle or long-range shot.
Most likely to...
Create an impression in the stands. Romanian supporters are eager to celebrate their international return.
Least likely to...
Trouble the superpowers. Sure, they're brave, but there's still a long way to go before a return of their '90s glory days.
What they hope will happen
The last 16 would represent success.
What will happen
Plenty of fight, but a group-stage exit.
FAQs
How many players are Romania allowed to take to Euro 2024?
The Romania Euro 2024 squad will be made up of 26 players, an increase on the 23-player teams UEFA initially wanted for the tournament in Germany. Forutnately, UEFA changed its mind in May, announcing squads will be made up of 26 players.
