Germany stepped into the spotlight as the host nation for Uefa Euro 2024, marking the 17th edition of this prestigious European Championship. The decision, made at a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Nyon on September 27, 2018, saw Germany chosen over Türkiye, the only other bidding nation. While West Germany proudly hosted EURO 1988, this tournament was particularly significant as the first time unified Germany staged the UEFA European Championship, adding to their history of hosting major events like the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
EURO 2024 Tournament Dates and Key Milestones
The UEFA EURO 2024 tournament unfolded across a month of thrilling football action, commencing on June 14 and culminating on July 14, 2024. The group stage matches set the initial tone, running until June 26, before the intensity ramped up with the knockout stage beginning on June 29.
As hosts, Germany was automatically placed in Group A, securing the coveted A1 position. This privilege meant they played the opening match – a dominant 5-1 victory against Scotland – at the Munich Football Arena on Friday, June 14. Germany’s national team, with its historical roots in West Germany, boasts a consistent presence at every EURO since 1972. Their legacy includes championship wins as West Germany in 1972 and 1980, and as unified Germany at EURO ’96, underscoring their strong pedigree in the tournament.
EURO 2024 Group Stage Draw and Qualified Teams
The anticipation for the final tournament was further heightened by the draw held in Hamburg on Saturday, December 2, 2023, which outlined the 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: Türkiye, Georgia*, Portugal, Czechia
Teams marked with an asterisk (*) earned their place through the play-offs, adding an extra layer of drama to their qualification journey.
EURO 2024 Format: Structure and Progression
Mirroring the successful format of UEFA EURO 2020, EURO 2024 maintained a structure that ensured high stakes and excitement. The top two teams from each of the six groups advanced directly to the round of 16. Adding to the competitive edge, the four best third-placed teams also progressed, creating a dynamic and closely contested knockout phase.
The EURO 2024 Final: Location and Outcome
The grand finale of EURO 2024 was hosted in Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion on Sunday, July 14, 2024. In a thrilling showdown, Spain emerged victorious, defeating England 2-1 to clinch their fourth EURO title. This win etched Spain’s name in history as the first nation to achieve four European Championship victories, solidifying their status as a football powerhouse.
EURO 2024 Host Cities and Venues Across Germany
Games were played across ten vibrant host cities, showcasing Germany’s football infrastructure. Nine of these venues were also utilized during the 2006 World Cup, demonstrating their readiness for major tournaments, with the Düsseldorf Arena being the new addition to the roster.
Munich Football Arena held a unique distinction by hosting matches for the second consecutive EURO, having been among the 11 stadiums used for UEFA EURO 2020.
EURO 2024 Host Cities and Stadiums:
- 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)
Aerial view of the ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities stadiums
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities stadiums, showcasing Germany’s football venues.
Sustainability Initiatives at EURO 2024
Reflecting a growing global emphasis on environmental and social responsibility in sports, UEFA EURO 2024 prioritized sustainability. The tournament aimed to set a benchmark through specific initiatives and investments focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. Detailed information on these efforts can be found in the full Environmental, Social and Governance strategy.
Fan Zones: Experiencing EURO 2024 in Germany
Each host city created vibrant fan zones, offering public viewing areas for supporters to gather and enjoy the EURO 2024 atmosphere. These zones became hubs of excitement, enhancing the tournament experience for both local and visiting fans.
Fans celebrating in the Berlin EURO 2024 fan zone
Berlin’s Fan Zone at Platz der Republik, a popular spot for EURO 2024 supporters.
FUSSBALLLIEBE: The Official EURO 2024 Match Ball
The official match ball of UEFA EURO 2024, named FUSSBALLLIEBE, meaning “love of football” in German, was central to the action. Unveiled in November 2023 by UEFA and adidas in Berlin, FUSSBALLLIEBE debuted adidas Connected Ball Technology at a EURO tournament, adding a layer of innovation to the game.
Albärt: The EURO 2024 Mascot
Albärt, a charming teddy bear, was chosen as the official mascot for EURO 2024. Selected through a vote involving UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe, Albärt won with 32% of the vote. Introduced to German fans in Gelsenkirchen in June 2023, Albärt became a beloved symbol of the tournament.
Albärt mascot at the UEFA EURO 2024 trophy tour in Stuttgart
Albärt, the official UEFA EURO 2024 mascot, featured during the trophy tour.
City Ambassadors for EURO 2024
Each host city was represented by city ambassadors, prominent figures from sports and culture, who helped promote and celebrate EURO 2024:
- Berlin: Kevin-Prince Boateng
- Cologne: Harald Schumacher
- Dortmund: Roman Weidenfeller, Annike Krahn
- Düsseldorf: Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, Sandra Mikolaschek, Selin Oruz
- Frankfurt: Alex Meier, Deborah Levi
- Gelsenkirchen: Gerald Asamoah
- Hamburg: Patrick Esume
- Leipzig: Professor Dr Jörg Junhold, Anja Mittag, Jürgen Zielinski
- Munich: Dr Felix Brych
- Stuttgart: Cacau, Niko Kappel, Eli Seitz
EURO 2024 Volunteer Programme: United by Football
The EURO 2024 volunteer program saw an overwhelming response, with over 146,000 applications received. Ultimately, 16,000 volunteers from 124 nations were selected to support the tournament. These volunteers played a crucial role in the ten host cities, embodying the tournament’s motto: ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’
Volunteers at EURO 2024 representing the spirit of unity
16,000 volunteers contributed to EURO 2024, enhancing the tournament experience.
“FIRE”: The Official EURO 2024 Song
“FIRE,” the official song for EURO 2024, was a collaboration between Italian producers Meduza, American pop-rock band OneRepublic, and German singer-songwriter Leony. Released across streaming platforms, the song captured the energy and passion of EURO 2024, blending anthemic house, compelling pop-rock, and pop expertise.
eEURO 2024: Esports Tournament
UEFA eEURO 2024, the esports counterpart to the physical tournament, commenced with online qualifiers in March 2024 and culminated in finals in Germany. Using EA SPORTS FC™ 24 as the official platform, eEURO 2024 highlighted the growing intersection of football and esports.
In conclusion, UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany was a resounding success, showcasing top-tier football action across world-class venues, underpinned by sustainability initiatives and fan engagement. From the official mascot to the volunteer program, every aspect of the tournament contributed to a memorable European Championship.
