This study aimed to (1) establish reference values for the match running performances of thirteen specialised positions at the men`s UEFA Euro`s 2024, (2) examine positional performances across various game periods and (3) add various layers of match context to the demands by combining physical, technical, tactical and individual information. All fifty-one games at the tournament were evaluated by analysing optical tracking data alongside match events. During matches, central and defensive midfielder subsets covered more total distance than other positions (P < 0.01; Effect Size [ES]: 1.4-3.1). Wide defender subsets in addition to attacking midfielders and forwards playing as a pair covered greater high-intensity running and sprinting distance (>=20.0 and >=25.0 km·h-1) than centre back subsets, defensive midfielders and lone forwards (P < 0.01; ES: 0.9-2.7 and 1.3-2.1). The peak high-intensity running distance in a 1-min period was greater for wide defender subsets compared to centre backs playing in a four-defender system (P < 0.01; ES: 0.9-1.2). More solo runs into key play areas occurred for attacking midfielders and wide forwards than centre back subsets (P < 0.01; ES: 0.9-2.1). Wide forwards performed more solo runs into the penalty area than other positions (P < 0.05; ES: 0.9-2.0). While centre back subsets recovered the ball more often compared to wide defenders, central and attacking midfielders in addition to forward subsets (P < 0.01; ES: 0.8-2.2). These findings provide contemporary evidence regarding the specific positional demands encountered during international matches. This information could serve as a basic framework for practitioners when developing position-specific training.
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