Introduction
In a much-anticipated event for football fans around the globe, Euro 2024 is gearing up to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in recent memory. Germany, known for its rich footballing history, is set to host the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship. The decision to award Germany the hosting rights was made at a UEFA Executive Committee meeting held in Nyon on 27 September 2018. This marks a significant moment for the nation, as it is the first time Germany has staged the UEFA European Championship since reunification, following West Germany’s hosting of the 1988 edition.
Türkiye was the only other nation bidding to hold UEFA EURO 2024, but it was Germany that emerged victorious. The 2006 FIFA World Cup, also hosted by Germany, showcased the nation’s capability to organize and execute a major football tournament, and Euro 2024 promises to continue that legacy.
The Road to Euro 2024: Qualification and Groups
With the stage set, anticipation grew as the draw for the final tournament took place in Hamburg on Saturday, 2 December. A total of 24 countries have qualified for Euro 2024, ready to battle it out for the prestigious title. The teams have been divided into six groups:
- Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
- Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
- Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
- Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
- Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
- Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic
Each group presents its own set of challenges and promises intense matches as teams vie for a spot in the knockout stages.
Euro 2024 Host Cities and Venues
Germany has selected ten venues across the country to host the matches, including nine stadiums used during the 2006 World Cup, along with the addition of the Düsseldorf Arena. These venues are spread across the nation, showcasing Germany’s passion for football:
- Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (current capacity: 71,000)
- Cologne: Cologne Stadium (43,000)
- Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (62,000)
- Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (47,000)
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (47,000)
- Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (50,000)
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (49,000)
- Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (40,000)
- Munich: Munich Football Arena (66,000)
- Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (51,000)
One notable feature is that the Munich Football Arena is hosting matches for the second EURO in succession, underlining its significance in German football history.
The Tournament Begins: Group Stage and Fixtures
Euro 2024 is schedule to kick off on June 15, with hosts Germany facing Scotland in the opening match at the Munich Football Arena. The tournament promises a month-long football extravaganza, with a total of 51 matches set to enthral fans worldwide.
The group stage will see teams competing in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Round of 16. Additionally, the top four third-ranked teams will also progress, ensuring intense competition right from the start.
Here are some of the fixtures from the group stage:
- Germany vs Scotland: Munich, 15-Jun-24, 12:30 AM
- Spain vs Croatia: Berlin, 15-Jun-24, 9:30 PM
- Italy vs Albania: Dortmund, 16-Jun-24, 12:30 AM
- Poland vs Netherlands: Hamburg, 16-Jun-24, 6:30 PM
- Slovenia vs Denmark: Stuttgart, 16-Jun-24, 9:30 PM
- Serbia vs England: Gelsenkirchen, 17-Jun-24, 12:30 AM
- Romania vs Ukraine: Munich, 17-Jun-24, 6:30 PM
- Belgium vs Slovakia: Frankfurt, 17-Jun-24, 9:30 PM
- Austria vs France: Dusseldorf, 18-Jun-24, 12:30 AM
- Turkey vs Georgia: Dortmund, 18-Jun-24, 9:30 PM
The excitement doesn’t end there. As the tournament progresses, the knockout stages promise even more nail-biting action.
Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Final
The Round of 16 matches, scheduled from June 29 to July 3, will determine the teams advancing to the quarter-finals. The tournament will then move into its final stages, with the quarter-finals set to take place from July 5 to July 7, followed by the semi-finals on July 10 and July 11.
Finally, the ultimate showdown, the Euro 2024 final, will be held on July 15, where the two best teams will battle it out for European glory at a venue filled with history and passion for the beautiful game.
TV Broadcast and Live Streaming
Football enthusiasts in India can catch all the Euro 2024 action live on Sony Sports Network. Matches will also be stream live on SonyLiv, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the excitement.
Euro 2024 promises to be an unforgettable tournament, showcasing the best of European football talent, set against the backdrop of passionate fans, iconic stadiums, and thrilling matches. As the countdown begins, football lovers around the world eagerly await the kick-off of what is sure to be an epic competition.
