The sixteen teams are split in four groups with four teams each. The first classified team of each group will qualify directly for the quarterfinals, the second and third teams will play each other in cross group format to qualify for the quarterfinals and the fourth placed teams will play each other for places 13 to 16 in cross group format. The losing teams of each round in the knock-out phase will play each other for the places behind those who won the match.

Sixteen teams will be allowed to the tournament.

The qualification is as follows:

1 - The host nation.

2 - The best seven teams from the 2016 European Championships not already qualified as the host nation.

3 - Eight teams from the qualifiers.