The question on every football fan’s mind leading up to the summer of 2024 was, “Where Is The Euro 2024?”. The answer is Germany, a nation steeped in football history and eager to host Europe’s premier international football tournament. Germany was officially selected to host the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship at a UEFA Executive Committee meeting held in Nyon on September 27, 2018. This victory came after a bid process where Türkiye was the only other contender. While West Germany had the honor of hosting EURO 1988, EURO 2024 marked the first time unified Germany welcomed the tournament, adding another prestigious event to their sporting resume, which includes hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Germany: A Nation Ready to Host EURO 2024
Germany’s selection as host nation for EURO 2024 was a testament to its robust football infrastructure, passionate fanbase, and proven track record in hosting major sporting events. The decision by the UEFA Executive Committee highlighted confidence in Germany’s ability to deliver a successful and memorable tournament. For Germany, hosting EURO 2024 was more than just staging football matches; it was an opportunity to showcase their unity, hospitality, and love for the beautiful game on a global stage. The legacy of German football, with its numerous successes in past European Championships and World Cups, set a high bar for EURO 2024, promising a tournament filled with excitement and top-tier competition.
EURO 2024 Dates and Tournament Timeline
The UEFA EURO 2024 tournament unfolded across a month of thrilling football action, beginning on June 14 and culminating in the final on July 14, 2024. The group stage, the initial phase of the competition where teams battled for a spot in the knockout rounds, concluded on June 26. Following the group stage, the intensity ramped up with the knockout stage commencing on June 29.
As the host nation, Germany automatically qualified for EURO 2024 and was placed in Group A, designated as position A1. This ensured they would play the tournament’s opening match at the Munich Football Arena on Friday, June 14, where they secured an impressive 5-1 victory against Scotland. Germany, including its history as West Germany, boasts a consistent presence at the EUROs, participating in every edition since 1972. Their rich history in the tournament includes West Germany’s triumphs in 1972 and 1980, and a further victory for unified Germany at EURO ’96, underscoring their pedigree in European football.
EURO 2024 Qualified Teams and Groups
The draw for the EURO 2024 final tournament took place in Hamburg on Saturday, December 2, 2023, setting the stage for the group battles. The groups were structured as follows:
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: Türkiye, Georgia*, Portugal, Czechia
Teams marked with qualified through play-offs, adding an extra layer of drama to their journey to EURO 2024.
Tournament Format and Final Match Details
Mirroring the successful format of UEFA EURO 2020, EURO 2024 saw the top two teams from each of the six groups advance to the round of 16. They were joined by the four best third-placed teams, ensuring a competitive and exciting knockout phase.
The grand finale of EURO 2024 was held in Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion on Sunday, July 14, 2024. In a thrilling match, Spain emerged victorious, defeating England 2-1 to clinch their fourth EURO title. This win cemented Spain’s place in history as the first nation to win four European Championships, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s legacy.
EURO 2024 Host Cities and Stadiums Across Germany
To bring EURO 2024 to life, Germany selected ten host cities, utilizing a mix of world-class stadiums renowned from the 2006 World Cup and modern arenas. Nine of the venues were previously used for the 2006 World Cup, with the Düsseldorf Arena being the new addition to the roster, ensuring a blend of experience and contemporary facilities.
Notably, the Munich Football Arena had the unique distinction of hosting EURO matches for the second consecutive tournament, having been one of the eleven stadiums used for UEFA EURO 2020. This underscored Munich’s status as a premier football city and its capability to host major international matches consistently.
EURO 2024 Host Cities:
- Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (Capacity: 71,000)
- Cologne: Cologne Stadium (Capacity: 43,000)
- Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (Capacity: 62,000)
- Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (Capacity: 47,000)
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (Capacity: 47,000)
- Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (Capacity: 50,000)
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (Capacity: 49,000)
- Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (Capacity: 40,000)
- Munich: Munich Football Arena (Capacity: 66,000)
- Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (Capacity: 51,000)
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities showcasing Germany’s football infrastructure and passionate host locations.
Sustainability and Fan Engagement at EURO 2024
Reflecting global trends and expectations, EURO 2024 placed a strong emphasis on sustainability. UEFA implemented a comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy to ensure the tournament was not only a sporting spectacle but also a benchmark for social and environmental responsibility in football. This strategy encompassed various measures aimed at minimizing environmental impact and maximizing positive social contributions. Details of the full ESG strategy are available for those interested in learning more about UEFA’s commitment to sustainability at EURO 2024.
To enhance fan experience, each host city established dedicated fan zones equipped with public viewing areas. These fan zones became hubs of activity, offering supporters a place to gather, watch matches together, and soak in the tournament atmosphere. Berlin’s Fan Zone, located at Platz der Republik in front of the Reichstag, was a prime example, drawing massive crowds and creating memorable experiences for fans.
Berlin
Berlin’s Fan Zone at Platz der Republik, a vibrant gathering spot for fans during EURO 2024, captured by AFP via Getty Images.
Key Tournament Features: Match Ball, Mascot, and Volunteers
The official match ball of UEFA EURO 2024, named FUSSBALLLIEBE, meaning “love of football” in German, was unveiled in November 2023. Developed by UEFA and Adidas, FUSSBALLLIEBE incorporated Adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a EURO tournament, adding a technological edge to the game.
Albärt, a teddy bear, was chosen as the official mascot for EURO 2024 following a vote involving UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe. Albärt won 32% of the vote and was introduced to German fans in Gelsenkirchen in June 2023.
Albärt, the official UEFA EURO 2024 mascot
Albärt, the official UEFA EURO 2024 mascot, embodying the fun and spirit of the tournament, image courtesy of UEFA via Getty Images.
A significant contribution to the success of EURO 2024 came from the 16,000 volunteers selected from over 146,000 applicants. These volunteers, representing 124 nations, played a crucial role in supporting the tournament operations across the host cities, embodying the tournament’s motto: ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’
There were 16,000 volunteers at EURO 2024
16,000 dedicated volunteers at EURO 2024 from 124 nations, essential to the tournament’s success.
Official Song and eEURO 2024
“FIRE,” the official song of EURO 2024, was created by Italian producers Meduza, American band OneRepublic, and German singer Leony. Released across streaming platforms, the song aimed to capture the passion of football and music fans alike.
UEFA eEURO 2024, the esports version of the tournament, took place, with online qualifiers in March 2024 and the final held in Germany in the summer. EA SPORTS FC™ 24 served as the official platform for eEURO 2024, further expanding the reach and engagement of EURO 2024 beyond the physical stadiums.
Conclusion: Germany’s Successful Hosting of EURO 2024
In conclusion, EURO 2024 was successfully hosted in Germany, utilizing ten vibrant cities and state-of-the-art stadiums. The tournament spanned from June 14 to July 14, 2024, culminating in Spain’s victory in the final in Berlin. Germany’s hosting of EURO 2024 not only provided a fantastic stage for European football but also highlighted the nation’s capability to organize and execute large-scale international events, leaving a lasting positive impact on the global football community.
