Slovakia's second 2-euro commemorative coin for 2026 has been issued. The theme is "50th Anniversary of the Czechoslovak Football Team's Victory at Euro 1976." The obverse shows a footballer with the ball at his right foot, flanked on both sides by curved branches. The texture of the pitch beneath the player's feet is suggested by a gently arched line. The issuing state "SLOVENSKO" and the year "2026" appear at the lower rim, while the commemorative inscription "MAJSTRI EURÓPY 1976" is worked into the design. The twelve stars of the European flag are on the outer ring. Designed by Matěj Hanuš, the coin is issued with a mintage of 1 million, including 5,000 each in BU coincard and proof case.

Czechoslovakia claimed three major international medals. At the 1934 and 1962 FIFA World Cups, the side finished runners-up on both occasions; at UEFA Euro 1976, they went one better and took gold. The tournament was held in what was then Yugoslavia, with matches in Zagreb and Belgrade. Alongside the hosts and Czechoslovakia, the reigning world champions West Germany and 1974 runners-up the Netherlands also took part – making Czechoslovakia clear underdogs. The semi-final against the Netherlands, played in Zagreb in driving rain, was decided by captain Anton Ondruš, who scored twice: first to put his side ahead, then – cruelly – an own goal to level the scores. Extra time confirmed the unexpected victors, who won 3–1. The final was more evenly balanced, with West Germany the favourites. After barely half an hour the world champions found themselves 0–2 down, courtesy of Ján Švehlík and Karol Dobiaš. Germany equalised in the dying seconds to force extra time, and then – for the first time in tournament history – the tie was settled by a penalty shootout. The first seven kicks were converted. Germany's Uli Hoeness sent his effort high over the bar. Antonín Panenka stepped up and chipped the ball down the middle in a manner the football world had never seen before, leaving goalkeeper Sepp Maier stranded. Czechoslovakia were European champions. Nine Slovak players featured in the final: Pivarník, Čapkovič, Ondruš, Gögh, Dobiaš, Móder, Masný, Švehlík and Jurkemik. Five players were named in the tournament's best XI: Viktor, Dobiaš, Ondruš, Masný and Nehoda. Goalkeeper Ivo Viktor was named player of the tournament. "We became European champions and the whole football world applauded us." June 2026 marks exactly 50 years since that extraordinary moment.

Source: Národná banka Slovenska