Euro 2024 Championship: A Comprehensive Guide
The UEFA European Championship, commonly referred to as the Euros, is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, attracting millions of fans and showcasing the best talents from across Europe. The 2024 edition of the tournament, known as Euro 2024, promises to be an exciting spectacle as it returns to Germany, a country with a rich footballing heritage.
The team here at Probets couldn’t be more excited to watch the hottest young talent grace one of the biggest footballing stages. Throughout the Euro 2024 tournament, we will be tracking and providing you with the latest information so that you feel empowered to put your best punting foot forward.
Euro 2024 Host Nation: Germany
Germany, one of the powerhouses of European football, will host Euro 2024. This marks the return of the tournament to Germany after a hiatus of 36 years; the country last hosted the European Championship in 1988. Germany has a strong footballing tradition, with a history of success in both the European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. The country is renowned for its passionate football fans, world-class stadiums, and efficient organizational capabilities, making it an ideal host for such a prestigious event.
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Euro 2024 | Participating Teams
Euro 2024 will feature 24 national teams from across Europe. These teams have qualified through a rigorous qualification process that took place over the preceding two years. The qualification process saw 53 UEFA member associations vying for a spot in the tournament, with the top teams earning their place in Germany. The teams are divided into six groups of four, each competing for the ultimate glory.
Euro 2024 | Tournament Favourites
As Euro 2024 kicks off, several national teams are being tipped as favourites to win the tournament. These teams have demonstrated exceptional form in recent years, boast strong squads filled with talented players, and have the tactical acumen to navigate the rigours of the competition. Here, we take a closer look at the main contenders and what makes them favourites for Euro 2024.
France
Reasons for Favouritism:
- Squad Depth: France has an incredibly deep squad with world-class talent in every position. Key players include Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and N’Golo Kanté.
- Recent Success: France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reached the final of Euro 2016. Their consistent performances in major tournaments highlight their pedigree.
- Coaching: Didier Deschamps, who has been at the helm since 2012, has a wealth of experience and has built a cohesive unit capable of performing under pressure.
Germany
Reasons for Favouritism:
- Home Advantage: As the host nation, Germany will benefit from playing in front of home crowds, which can provide a significant morale boost.
- Rebuilding Phase: Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Germany is undergoing a renaissance, blending experienced players like Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller with young talents such as Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.
- Tactical Flexibility: Flick’s tactical nous and ability to adapt strategies according to opponents make Germany a formidable opponent.
Spain
Reasons for Favouritism:
- Youthful Exuberance: Spain boasts a new generation of talented players, including Pedri, Gavi, and Ferran Torres, who have already made significant impacts at both club and international levels.
- Possession-Based Play: Spain’s traditional possession-based style, or “tiki-taka,” allows them to control games and dominate opponents.
- Strong Defensive Unit: With a solid defence led by players like Aymeric Laporte and Jordi Alba, Spain is difficult to break down.
England
Reasons for Favouritism:
- Impressive Squad: England’s squad is brimming with talent, including the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden.
- Recent Performances: England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, demonstrating their capability to go deep in tournaments.
- Managerial Stability: Gareth Southgate has brought stability and a clear tactical identity to the team, fostering a strong team spirit and unity.
Italy
Reasons for Favouritism:
- Defensive Solidity: Italy has a reputation for strong defensive play, with experienced defenders like Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini providing leadership at the back.
- Midfield Mastery: Players like Jorginho, Marco Verratti, and Nicolò Barella control the tempo of the game, ensuring Italy dominates the midfield.
- Winning Mentality: As the reigning European champions, having won Euro 2020, Italy knows what it takes to succeed in high-pressure situations.
Portugal
Reasons for Favouritism:
- Star Power: With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line, Portugal has one of the greatest players of all time. Alongside him, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix offer creativity and goal-scoring threats.
- Balanced Squad: Portugal has a balanced squad with a mix of experienced veterans and exciting young talents.
- Recent History: Portugal won Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League, showing they can perform in knockout competitions.
Belgium
Reasons for Favouritism:
- Golden Generation: Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation” features world-class talents like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard.
- Attacking Prowess: Belgium is known for its potent attacking play, with De Bruyne orchestrating from midfield and Lukaku providing a clinical edge up front.
- Consistent Performances: Belgium has been a top-ranked team in recent years and consistently performs well in major tournaments.
Euro 2024 | Stadiums
Germany boasts some of the finest football stadiums in the world, and Euro 2024 will be played across ten venues, each with its unique charm and history. Here is a list of the stadiums and the cities they are located in:
- Olympiastadion, Berlin – Capacity: 74,475
- Allianz Arena, Munich – Capacity: 75,000
- Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund – Capacity: 81,365
- Volksparkstadion, Hamburg – Capacity: 57,000
- Red Bull Arena, Leipzig – Capacity: 42,959
- Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart – Capacity: 60,449
- RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – Capacity: 50,000
- Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt – Capacity: 51,500
- Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen – Capacity: 62,271
- Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – Capacity: 62,271
These stadiums are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and are well-prepared to host international matches, ensuring a memorable experience for both players and fans.
The Euro 2024 final will be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This iconic stadium, with a capacity of 74,475, is one of Germany’s most historic and renowned venues, providing a fitting backdrop for the climax of the tournament.
Tournament Format
Euro 2024 will follow a format that has been used in recent editions of the tournament, ensuring a fair and competitive structure. The tournament is divided into two main phases: the group stage and the knockout stage.
Group Stage
The group stage will feature six groups of four teams each. Each team will play three matches, one against each of the other teams in their group. The matches are scheduled in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage. This ensures that even teams finishing third in their groups have a chance to progress, adding an extra layer of excitement to the group stage.
Knockout Stage
The knockout stage comprises the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. The matches in this stage are single-elimination, meaning that a team must win to progress to the next round. If a match is tied after 90 minutes, it goes into extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout will determine the winner.
Round of 16
The 16 teams that advance from the group stage will compete in this round. The matchups are determined based on the teams’ positions in their respective groups and their performance.
Quarter-Finals
The eight winners from the Round of 16 will advance to the quarter-finals.
Semi-Finals
The four winners from the quarter-finals will compete in the semi-finals.
Final
The winners of the semi-finals will face each other in the final, which will determine the champion of Euro 2024.
Pathway to the Final
Qualification
Teams had to go through a qualification process to reach Euro 2024. The qualification process involved a series of matches played over several months, with teams divided into groups. The top teams from each group, along with some of the best second-placed teams, earned their spot in the tournament. Additionally, a few teams secured their place through the UEFA Nations League play-offs.
Group Stage Performance
Once in the tournament, the teams must navigate the group stage successfully. Winning matches in the group stage is crucial, as it determines the seeding and matchups in the knockout stage. Teams aim to finish in the top two positions in their groups to guarantee advancement to the Round of 16. However, the four best third-placed teams across all groups also have a chance to move forward, adding a layer of complexity to the competition.
Knockout Stage Matches
The knockout stage is where the intensity of the tournament peaks. Each match is a do-or-die scenario, with teams needing to perform at their best to progress. Tactical acumen, squad depth, and mental fortitude become critical factors in these high-stakes matches. The journey through the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals is fraught with challenges, as teams face off against the best Europe has to offer.
Reaching the Final
To reach the final, a team must win four consecutive matches in the knockout stage. This requires not only skill and strategy but also the ability to handle pressure and perform in clutch moments. The final itself is a showcase of the tournament’s best, where two teams compete for the ultimate prize in European football.
Euro 2024 | Key Dates & Fixtures
Euro 2024 is set to be a month-long festival of football, with key dates that fans and teams alike will mark on their calendars. Here are the crucial dates for the tournament:
- Opening Match: June 14, 2024
- Group Stage Matches: June 14 – June 26, 2024
- Round of 16: June 29 – July 2, 2024
- Quarter-Finals: July 5 – July 6, 2024
- Semi-Finals: July 9 – July 10, 2024
- Final: July 14, 2024
The opening match will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich on the 14 June 2024, while the final will be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on the 14th July 2024, providing a fitting climax to the tournament.
Group stage
14 June
Group A: Germany 5-1 Scotland (Munich)
15 June
A: Hungary vs Switzerland (Cologne, 15:00)
B: Spain vs Croatia (Berlin, 18:00)
B: Italy vs Albania (Dortmund, 21:00)
16 June
D: Poland vs Netherlands (Hamburg, 15:00)
C: Slovenia vs Denmark (Stuttgart, 18:00)
C: Serbia vs England (Gelsenkirchen, 21:00)
17 June
E: Romania vs Ukraine (Munich, 15:00)
E: Belgium vs Slovakia (Frankfurt, 18:00)
D: Austria vs France (Düsseldorf, 21:00)
18 June
F: Türkiye vs Georgia (Dortmund, 18:00)
F: Portugal vs Czechia (Leipzig, 21:00)
19 June
B: Croatia vs Albania (Hamburg, 15:00)
A: Germany vs Hungary (Stuttgart, 18:00)
A: Scotland vs Switzerland (Cologne, 21:00)
20 June
C: Slovenia vs Serbia (Munich, 15:00)
C: Denmark vs England (Frankfurt, 18:00)
B: Spain vs Italy (Gelsenkirchen, 21:00)
21 June
E: Slovakia vs Ukraine (Düsseldorf, 15:00)
D: Poland vs Austria (Berlin, 18:00)
D: Netherlands vs France (Leipzig, 21:00)
22 June
F: Georgia vs Czechia (Hamburg, 15:00)
F: Türkiye vs Portugal (Dortmund, 18:00)
E: Belgium vs Romania (Cologne, 21:00)
23 June
A: Switzerland vs Germany (Frankfurt, 21:00)
A: Scotland vs Hungary (Stuttgart, 21:00)
24 June
B: Croatia vs Italy (Leipzig, 21:00)
B: Albania vs Spain (Düsseldorf, 21:00)
25 June
D: Netherlands vs Austria (Berlin, 18:00)
D: France vs Poland (Dortmund, 18:00)
C: England vs Slovenia (Cologne, 21:00)
C: Denmark vs Serbia (Munich, 21:00)
26 June
E: Slovakia vs Romania (Frankfurt, 18:00)
E: Ukraine vs Belgium (Stuttgart, 18:00)
F: Czechia vs Türkiye (Hamburg, 21:00)
F: Georgia vs Portugal (Gelsenkirchen, 21:00)
Rest days on 27 and 28 June
When does the EURO 2024 round of 16 start?
29 June
38 2A vs 2B (Berlin, 18:00)
37 1A vs 2C (Dortmund, 21:00)
30 June
40 1C vs 3D/E/F (Gelsenkirchen), 18:00)
39 1B vs 3A/D/E/F (Cologne, 21:00)
1 July
42 2D vs 2E (Düsseldorf, 18:00)
41 1F vs 3A/B/C (Frankfurt, 21:00)
2 July
43 1E vs 3A/B/C/D (Munich, 18:00)
44 1D vs 2F (Leipzig), 21:00)
Rest days on 3 and 4 July
When do the EURO 2024 quarter-finals start?
5 July
45 W39 vs W37 (Stuttgart, 18:00)
46 W41 vs W42 (Hamburg, 21:00)
6 July
48 W40 vs W38 (Düsseldorf, 18:00)
47 W43 vs W44 (Berlin, 21:00)
Rest days on 7 and 8 July
When do the EURO 2024 semi-finals start?
9 July
49 W45 vs W46 (Munich, 21:00)
10 July
50 W47 vs W48 (Dortmund, 21:00)
Rest days on 11, 12 and 13 July
When is the EURO 2024 final?
14 July
W49 vs W50 (Berlin, 21:00)
Rising Talents to Watch at Euro 2024
Euro 2024 will not only feature established stars but also showcase emerging talents poised to make a significant impact on the international stage. These young players, many of whom are already making waves at their clubs, could become household names during the tournament. Here are some of the rising stars to keep an eye on:
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Club: Bayern Munich
- Age: 21
- Profile: Musiala is a dynamic midfielder known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to score goals. He has quickly become a key player for Bayern Munich and is expected to be a crucial part of Germany’s squad, especially with the home advantage.
Pedri (Spain)
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Barcelona
- Age: 21
- Profile: Pedri has already made a name for himself with his exceptional vision, passing, and composure on the ball. His performances for Barcelona and Spain have drawn comparisons to Andrés Iniesta, and he will be central to Spain’s midfield.
Jude Bellingham (England)
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Real Madrid
- Age: 20
- Profile: Bellingham is a versatile midfielder known for his physicality, intelligence, and leadership on the pitch. His move to Real Madrid has further elevated his game, and he is expected to be a standout player for England.
Eduardo Camavinga (France)
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Real Madrid
- Age: 21
- Profile: Camavinga is a gifted midfielder who combines defensive prowess with technical skill. His performances for Real Madrid and France have shown his potential to be one of the best midfielders in the world.
Gavi (Spain)
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Barcelona
- Age: 19
- Profile: Gavi is another prodigious talent from Barcelona’s academy. Known for his tenacity, ball control, and vision, Gavi has already become a regular for both club and country.
Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands)
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Liverpool
- Age: 22
- Profile: Gravenberch is a tall, elegant midfielder with excellent ball control and vision. His move to Liverpool has provided him with a platform to further develop and showcase his skills on the international stage.
Nuno Mendes (Portugal)
- Position: Left-Back
- Club: Paris Saint-Germain
- Age: 22
- Profile: Mendes is a dynamic left-back known for his speed, crossing ability, and defensive solidity. He has quickly become a regular for PSG and is expected to be a key player for Portugal.
Florian Wirtz (Germany)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Club: Bayer Leverkusen
- Age: 21
- Profile: Wirtz is an attacking midfielder with excellent vision, dribbling, and finishing skills. He has been a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen and is expected to shine for Germany in Euro 2024.
Conclusion
Euro 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating the best of European football. With Germany as the host nation, fans can expect top-notch facilities, a vibrant atmosphere, and thrilling matches. The 24 participating teams will compete fiercely for the coveted trophy, navigating a challenging format that tests their mettle at every stage. From the group stage to the final, every match will be a showcase of skill, strategy, and passion. As we count down to the opening match, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, setting the stage for a spectacular tournament that will capture the hearts of football fans worldwide.