Qualification matches began in September 2013 and concluded in June 2014, with seven teams joining the hosts in the final tournament. Among them were the defending champions, Serbia, who defeated France 1–0 in the previous final to secure their first-ever title in UEFA competitions. The best three teams from each group at the final tournament qualified for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. Germany defeated Portugal 1–0 in the final to capture their third title.