Euro 2024 is electrifying football fans across the globe, serving up a daily dose of thrilling encounters, spectacular goals, and fiercely competitive matches. As the group stage progresses towards its climax on June 26th, the stakes are higher than ever. For eight of the 24 participating nations, the journey will end here, while the remaining sixteen will advance to the coveted knockout stage.
The path to the knockout phase is straightforward for the top teams: the leading two teams from each of the six groups automatically qualify. Adding to the drama, the four best third-placed teams will also secure their spots in the round of 16, creating intense competition and unpredictable outcomes as teams jostle for every point.
In cases where teams are tied on points, the Euro 2024 regulations prioritize head-to-head results to determine group rankings, unlike the World Cup’s initial reliance on overall goal difference. If teams remain inseparable after considering head-to-head points, then the overall goal difference across all group matches comes into play. This intricate tie-breaking system adds another layer of strategic importance to every game and goal.
The knockout stage is set to kick off on Saturday, June 29th, and will continue until the final match in Berlin on Sunday, July 14th, promising weeks of high-octane football action. As we navigate through the group stage, let’s delve into a detailed analysis of each group’s current situation, examining team performances and potential pathways to the knockout rounds. This updated overview provides a comprehensive look at the Euro 2024 Groups Table and what to expect next.
Group A
Germany, the host nation, have surged into the knockout stages with dominant performances. They announced their arrival with a resounding 5-1 victory over Scotland in the tournament opener in Munich, followed by a solid 2-0 win against Hungary in Stuttgart. Their early qualification has set a high benchmark for the rest of the competition.
Switzerland currently holds the second spot in Group A, showcasing their strength with a 3-1 win over Hungary on June 15th and a 1-1 draw against Scotland on June 19th. Their consistent performance positions them favorably for knockout stage qualification.
The stakes are high in Group A as the final matches approach. The winner of Group A is slated to face the runner-up from Group C in Dortmund on June 29th, while the second-placed team from Group A will clash with the runner-up from Group B in Berlin on the same day. These matchups are eagerly anticipated as they will set the tone for the initial knockout round.
Group A Standings
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (Q) | 2 | 6 |
| Switzerland | 2 | 4 |
| Scotland | 2 | 1 |
| Hungary | 2 | 0 |
Group B
Group B, often dubbed the ‘group of death’, lived up to its billing with high-stakes encounters. Spain clinched the top spot and secured their knockout stage qualification with a crucial 1-0 victory over Italy. This result not only propelled Spain but also intensified the battle for the remaining spots.
Italy now faces a critical final group match against Croatia. A draw would be sufficient for Italy to advance, while a defeat would allow Croatia to overtake them on points. Albania also remains in contention, and a victory against Spain could see them reach four points, potentially creating a complex scenario for qualification.
Group B witnessed a historic moment when Albania’s Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in European Championship history, finding the net just 23 seconds into their match against Italy on June 15th. Despite this early shock, Italy rallied to win 2-1, showcasing their resilience and experience.
Earlier on the same day, Spain demonstrated their dominance by defeating Croatia 3-0, with goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal. Morata’s goalscoring form in the Euros continues to impress, placing him among the tournament’s all-time top scorers, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Michel Platini.
Euro Top Scorers – All Time
| Player | Country | Goals | Tournaments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 14 | 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024 |
| Michel Platini | France | 9 | 1984 |
| Alan Shearer | England | 7 | 1992, 1996, 2000 |
| Alvaro Morata | Spain | 7 | 2016, 2020, 2024 |
| Antoine Griezmann | France | 7 | 2016, 2020, 2024 |
Croatia and Albania played out a dramatic 2-2 draw on June 19th, with late goals adding to the tension. These results mean Group B remains highly competitive, with all teams having something to play for in their final matches.
Looking ahead, the Group B winner will face a third-placed team in Cologne on June 30th, while the Group B runner-up is set to play in Berlin on June 29th against the second-placed team from Group A, setting up potentially thrilling knockout stage clashes.
Group B Standings
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2 | 6 |
| Italy | 2 | 3 |
| Albania | 2 | 1 |
| Croatia | 2 | 1 |
Group C
England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark has positioned them to at least finish as one of the best third-placed teams, securing four points from their first two games. Denmark and Slovenia are level on points and goal difference, having drawn their head-to-head match, making their final group games crucial.
Serbia secured their first point with a late equalizer against Slovenia on June 20th, keeping their hopes of qualification alive. The group remains finely balanced, with all teams still in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
England topped the group after their 1-0 victory against Serbia on June 16th. A draw against Slovenia in their final match on June 25th would guarantee England’s place in the last 16. Denmark will face Serbia simultaneously, adding to the final day drama in Group C.
The Group C winner will play a third-placed team in Gelsenkirchen on June 30th, and the runner-up will face the Group A winner (currently Germany) in Dortmund on June 29th. These potential matchups are highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Group C Standings
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| England | 2 | 4 |
| Denmark | 2 | 2 |
| Slovenia | 2 | 2 |
| Serbia | 2 | 1 |
Group D
Group D’s early headlines were dominated by Kylian Mbappe’s injury. France’s captain suffered a broken nose in their 1-0 win against Austria on June 18th. Despite the injury, Mbappe’s influence was evident in the match against Austria, where his run led to an own goal that secured France’s victory.
Netherlands also started strong, defeating Poland 2-1 on June 16th, thanks to a late goal from substitute Wout Weghorst. However, Poland’s subsequent 3-1 defeat to Austria on June 21st, combined with the Netherlands and France drawing 0-0, has resulted in Poland becoming the first team to be eliminated from Euro 2024.
The Group D winner will play the runner-up from Group F in Leipzig on July 2nd, in the last of the round-of-16 matches. The Group D runner-up will face the runner-up from Group E in Dusseldorf on July 1st.
Group D Standings
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 2 | 4 |
| France | 2 | 4 |
| Austria | 2 | 3 |
| Poland (Out) | 2 | 0 |
Group E
In Group E, Slovakia produced the biggest upset of the tournament so far, defeating Belgium 1-0 on June 17th. Ranked significantly lower than Belgium by FIFA, Slovakia’s victory is considered the greatest upset in European Championship history based on rankings. Earlier that day, Romania impressed with a 3-0 win over Ukraine, highlighted by a stunning goal from Nicolae Stanciu.
Ukraine rebounded strongly on June 21st, defeating Slovakia to move up the euro 2024 groups table and put themselves in a strong position for qualification.
Belgium, despite their loss, still have their fate in their hands. Their upcoming match against Romania on June 22nd is crucial for their tournament ambitions, especially as they hope for Romelu Lukaku to find his scoring touch.
The Group E winner will face a third-placed team in Munich on July 2nd, while the runner-up will play the Group D runner-up in Dusseldorf on July 1st.
Group E Standings
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | 1 | 3 |
| Ukraine | 2 | 3 |
| Slovakia | 2 | 3 |
| Belgium | 1 | 0 |
Group F
Group F delivered what many consider the most captivating match of Euro 2024 so far, with Turkey defeating Georgia 3-1 on June 18th. Spectacular long-range goals from Mert Muldur and Arda Guler for Turkey, along with a goal from Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze, contributed to the thrilling encounter.
Portugal also secured a late victory against the Czech Republic in their opening match. This game was historic as Portugal’s Pepe, at 41, became the oldest player to ever feature in the European Championship, while Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to participate in six editions of the tournament.
Portugal will face Turkey in their next match on June 22nd, with Ronaldo aiming to score in a record sixth European Championship. Georgia and the Czech Republic will also play on the same day, knowing that a defeat would severely jeopardize their chances of advancing.
The Group F winner will play a third-placed team in Frankfurt on July 1st, and the runner-up will face the Group D winner in Leipzig on July 2nd.
Group F Standings
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 1 | 3 |
| Portugal | 1 | 3 |
| Czech Republic | 1 | 0 |
| Georgia | 1 | 0 |
As the Euro 2024 group stage progresses, the euro 2024 groups table is constantly evolving, promising more drama and excitement. Football fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches and the unfolding knockout stage scenarios. Stay tuned for further updates as the tournament progresses and the path to the Berlin final becomes clearer.
(Top photo: Denmark score against England; Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images)
