The men's 400m promises to be one of the highlights of Birmingham 2026, with Olympic and world medallists, rising stars and home talent assembling for what could be one of the fastest finals in European Athletics Championships history.
Great Britain's Matthew Hudson-Smith returns to the track where he made his name as European leader and home favourite after another impressive campaign.
Yet with France's Samuel Vessat, Hungary's Attila Molnár, the Netherlands' Jonas Phijffers and Germany's Jean Paul Bredau among a deep field of contenders, the battle for gold looks wide open.
European record - Matthew Hudson-Smith (GBR) 43.44
European lead - Matthew Hudson-Smith (GBR) 44.09
Championships record - Alexander Doom (BEL) 44.15
Rome 2024 medallists:
1. Alexander Doom (BEL) 44.15
2. Charlie Dobson (GBR) 44.38
3. Liemarvin Bonevacia (NED) 44.88
Five to watch:
- Matthew Hudson-Smith (GBR)
- Samuel Vessat (FRA)
- Attila Molnár (HUN)
- Jonas Phijffers (NED)
- Jean Paul Bredau (GER)
Matthew Hudson-Smith arrives in Birmingham with unfinished business. The Olympic silver medallist, European record-holder and European champion from 2018 and 2022 has once again established himself as Europe's fastest man this season, clocking a world-leading 44.09.
Competing in front of a home crowd at Alexander Stadium, with a temporary stand named in his honour, the Briton will be determined to regain the European title and add another major championship gold to his impressive résumé.
But Hudson-Smith isn't the only Brit with medal aspirations in the event. The British triumvirate also includes 2024 European silver medallist Charlie Dobson and Ben Jefferies. Jefferies shattered his lifetime best with a 44.66 clocking to split Hudson-Smith and Dobson at the UK Championships on this track at the end of June.
France's Samuel Vessat has been one of the revelations of 2026. The 24-year-old lowered the French record to 44.24 at the national championships, elevating himself into genuine medal contention. Still relatively inexperienced at senior championship level, Birmingham represents an opportunity to announce himself among Europe's elite.
Hungary's Attila Molnár has continued the outstanding form that saw him crowned European indoor champion earlier this year. The powerful Hungarian has carried that momentum outdoors, producing a string of impressive sub-45-second performances to establish himself among the continent's fastest quarter-milers.
European U23 champion Jonas Phijffers is another emerging name ready to make his mark on the senior stage. The 23-year-old lowered his personal best to 44.72 this season and has developed into a genuine contender both individually and as a key member of the Netherlands' relay squad.
A finalist in Rome two years ago, Germany's Jean Paul Bredau remains one of the most consistent performers in European sprinting. He recently lowered his personal best to 44.72 and, if he can maintain that momentum, he could well be in the medal mix.
The winner of that title was Alexander Doom but the Belgian, who ran a championship record of 44.15 to win the title in Rome, will be missing from these championships due to injury.