Your Essential Guide to Euro 2024: What You Need to Know
Euro 2024, set to be hosted by Germany, is poised to make football history as the nation with a storied footballing legacy welcomes Europe’s top teams for an exhilarating tournament.
This edition of the European Championship marks a significant moment, as it will be the first time Germany has hosted the event since reunification.
UEFA Euro Tournament Structure
From June 14 to July 14, 2024, the tournament will unfold with 24 teams competing across various stages, culminating in a final showdown to determine the champion of Europe.
The tournament’s format guarantees excitement, with a gripping group stage followed by knockout rounds, including the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the highly anticipated final.
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UEFA Euro Qualification and Teams
The road to Euro 2024 has been arduous for participating teams, with 20 securing their spots through qualifiers while the remaining four positions are determined through playoffs. Notably, as the host nation, Germany automatically qualifies and is placed in Group A, set to kick off the tournament in Munich.
| Team | Qualified as |
|---|---|
| Germany | Host |
| Belgium | Group F winner |
| France | Group B winner |
| Portugal | Group J winner |
| Scotland | Group A runner-up |
| Spain | Group A winner |
| Turkey | Group D winner |
| Austria | Group F runner-up |
| England | Group C winner |
| Hungary | Group G winner |
| Slovakia | Group J runner-up |
| Albania | Group E winner |
| Denmark | Group H winner |
| Netherlands | Group B runner-up |
| Romania | Group I winner |
| Switzerland | Group I runner-up |
| Serbia | Group G runner-up |
| Czech Republic | Group E runner-up |
| Italy | Group C runner-up |
| Slovenia | Group H runner-up |
| Croatia | Group D runner-up |
Venues and Cities
Germany’s selection as the host country brings Euro 2024 to some of Europe’s most iconic football stadiums. Ten cities, including Berlin, Munich, Dortmund, and Hamburg, will serve as venues for the matches.
These cities were chosen for their modern facilities and capacity to accommodate fans from across the continent, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | Olympiastadion Berlin | 74,461 |
| Munich | Fußball Arena München | 70,076 |
| Dortmund | BVB Stadion Dortmund | 65,849 |
| Stuttgart | Stuttgart Arena | 54,906 |
| Gelsenkirchen | Arena AufSchalke | 54,740 |
| Frankfurt | Frankfurt Arena | 54,697 |
| Hamburg | Volksparkstadion | 52,245 |
| Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf Arena | 51,031 |
| Cologne | Cologne Stadium | 49,827 |
| Leipzig | Leipzig Stadium | 42,959 |
Tickets and Fan Participation
Excitement for Euro 2024 is palpable, with fans eager to secure their match tickets. While the initial phase of ticket sales has concluded, opportunities remain available through official resale platforms and the upcoming second phase of sales.
This approach ensures that fans have multiple chances to be part of the action, cheering for their teams and soaking in the live football atmosphere.
Also Read: BREAKING: Toni Kroos announces return to international football for Germany ahead of Euro 2024
Major Teams Missing Euro 2024
The journey to Euro 2024 has seen intense competition, resulting in some surprising absences among traditionally strong contenders in European football.
Notably, Russia’s exclusion due to a UEFA ban stands out, considering their historical impact on the European football stage.
During a session of the UEFA Executive Committee held in Hvar, Croatia, on September 20, 2022, it was officially announced that Russia would be disqualified from participating in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
This decision stemmed from UEFA’s suspension of all Russian teams following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Consequently, Russia will not make an appearance at the European Championship finals for the first time since 2000.
The absence of teams like Bulgaria and Northern Ireland is also felt, as both nations have contributed to the richness of past international competitions with their unique footballing culture and history.
Euro 2024 Set to Begin Soon
Euro 2024 promises to be a showcase of European football at its finest, with 24 teams battling it out for glory. From thrilling group stage clashes to the climactic final, the tournament guarantees unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.
Despite the absence of some traditional footballing powerhouses, the anticipation and excitement surrounding Euro 2024 remain undiminished.