The thrilling group stage of the UEFA EURO 2024 has concluded, and the field of 24 teams has been narrowed down to the last 16, setting the stage for an electrifying knockout phase. Football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the Euro Cup last 16, as the stakes are raised and dreams of lifting the Henri Delaunay Cup become more tangible.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the round of 16 fixtures, providing insights into each team’s journey so far and what to expect in the crucial knockout matches.
Euro Cup Last 16 Fixtures: Dates and Locations
The Euro Cup last 16 promises a series of captivating clashes across Germany. Here are the confirmed fixtures:
- Switzerland vs Italy (Berlin, June 29)
- Germany vs Denmark (Dortmund, June 29)
- England vs Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, June 30)
- Spain vs Georgia (Cologne, June 30)
- France vs Belgium (Düsseldorf, July 1)
- Portugal vs Slovenia (Frankfurt, July 1)
- Romania vs Netherlands (Munich, July 2)
- Austria vs Türkiye (Leipzig, July 2)
Euro Cup Last 16 Teams: Profiles and Analysis
Let’s delve into the profiles of each team that has advanced to the Euro Cup last 16, examining their performance in the group stage, key players, and their potential path forward.
Austria
Group D Winners
- 0-1 vs France
- 3-1 vs Poland
- 3-2 vs Netherlands
Pedigree: EURO best: Round of 16 (2020). EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost to Italy.
Story so far: Austria emerged as a surprise winner of Group D. Despite an initial defeat to France, Ralf Rangnick’s team showcased impressive attacking football, securing victories against Poland and the Netherlands. Their high-pressing style and youthful energy make them a team to watch in the Euro Cup last 16.
Coach: Ralf Rangnick: A pioneer of ‘gegenpressing,’ Rangnick has transformed Austria into an aggressive, attacking force, moving away from a traditionally defensive approach.
Did you know? Christoph Baumgartner once scored the fastest international goal in just six seconds against Slovakia.
Belgium
Group E Runners-up
- 0-1 vs Slovakia
- 2-0 vs Romania
- 0-0 vs Ukraine
Pedigree: EURO best: Final (1980). EURO 2020: Quarter-final, lost to Italy.
Story so far: Belgium had a mixed group stage campaign, marked by an opening loss to Slovakia but followed by a win against Romania and a draw with Ukraine. While Kevin De Bruyne has shown moments of brilliance, Belgium will need to elevate their performance to overcome France in the Euro Cup last 16.
Coach: Domenico Tedesco: Tedesco, known for his tactical flexibility, brings a wealth of experience from coaching in Germany and Russia. He aims to guide Belgium to their full potential in this tournament.
Did you know? Tedesco remained unbeaten for over a year after taking over as Belgium coach in February 2023.
Denmark
Group C Runners-up
- 1-1 vs Slovenia
- 1-1 vs England
- 0-0 vs Serbia
Pedigree: EURO best: Winners (1992). EURO 2020: Semi-finals, lost to England.
Story so far: Denmark reached the Euro Cup last 16 after drawing all three of their group matches. Christian Eriksen has been a standout performer, demonstrating his creative abilities. Having reached the semi-finals in EURO 2020, Denmark possesses the experience and resilience to challenge Germany.
Coach: Kasper Hjulmand: Hjulmand was instrumental in Denmark’s inspiring EURO 2020 run. He aims to replicate that success and provide Danish fans with another memorable tournament.
Did you know? Denmark drew all three of their group games for the first time in a major international tournament.
England
Group C Winners
- 1-0 vs Serbia
- 1-1 vs Denmark
- 0-0 vs Slovenia
Pedigree: EURO best: Runners-up (2020). EURO 2020: Runners-up, lost to Italy on penalties.
Story so far: England topped Group C despite not hitting top gear. While flashes of brilliance from players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were evident, Gareth Southgate will be looking for more consistent performances as they enter the Euro Cup last 16 against Slovakia.
Coach: Gareth Southgate: Southgate has a proven track record in major tournaments, having led England to a EURO final and a World Cup semi-final. He is under pressure to deliver silverware this time around.
Did you know? England has won their group in both EURO campaigns under Southgate, matching their total from the previous eight appearances.
France
Group D Runners-up
- 1-0 vs Austria
- 0-0 vs Netherlands
- 1-1 vs Poland
Pedigree: EURO best: Winners (1984, 2000). EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost to Switzerland on penalties.
Story so far: France finished second in Group D, their first time not winning their group since EURO 2012. Despite being unbeaten, they will need to improve their attacking fluidity. Kylian Mbappé’s goal against Poland was a positive sign as they prepare for a tough Euro Cup last 16 match against Belgium.
Coach: Didier Deschamps: Deschamps is one of football’s most accomplished figures, aiming for his second EURO title as a coach. His experience and tactical acumen are crucial for France’s ambitions.
Did you know? Antoine Griezmann holds the record for most consecutive international appearances, playing 84 games from 2017 to 2023.
Georgia
Third place in Group F
- 1-3 vs Türkiye
- 1-1 vs Czechia
- 2-0 vs Portugal
Pedigree: EURO best: Debut.
Story so far: Georgia has been a revelation in their debut major tournament. Their attacking style and historic victory over Portugal have made them fan favorites. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a star, and their journey to the Euro Cup last 16 is a remarkable achievement.
Coach: Willy Sagnol: Sagnol, a former international player, has instilled confidence and ambition in the Georgian team, guiding them to their first major tournament knockout stage.
Did you know? Georgia is competing for the first time as an independent nation, though players from Georgia won the inaugural tournament in 1960 as part of the USSR.
Germany
Group A Winners
- 5-1 vs Scotland
- 2-0 vs Hungary
- 1-1 vs Switzerland
Pedigree: EURO best: Winners (1972, 1980, 1996). EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost to England.
Story so far: Hosts Germany started EURO 2024 strongly, with impressive wins over Scotland and Hungary. A late equalizer against Switzerland ensured they topped Group A unbeaten. Jamal Musiala has been particularly impressive. Germany are strong contenders in the Euro Cup last 16.
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann: Nagelsmann has brought tactical innovation and a focus on form to the German team. Convincing Toni Kroos to return has been a masterstroke.
Did you know? Germany is participating in a record 14th EURO tournament, having qualified for every edition since 1972.
Italy
Group B Runners-up
- 2-1 vs Albania
- 0-1 vs Spain
- 1-1 vs Croatia
Pedigree: EURO best: Winners (1968, 2020). EURO 2020: Winners.
Story so far: Italy secured their Euro Cup last 16 spot with a late equalizer against Croatia. After winning against Albania and losing to Spain, the defending champions aim to overcome Switzerland and continue their title defense.
Coach: Luciano Spalletti: Spalletti, who took over after leading Napoli to the Scudetto, quickly implemented his football philosophy and is blending experienced players with new talent.
Did you know? Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has saved five of the last seven penalties he faced in EURO finals (including shootouts).
Netherlands
Third place in Group D
- 2-1 vs Poland
- 0-0 vs France
- 2-3 vs Austria
Pedigree: EURO best: Winners (1988). EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost to Czechia.
Story so far: The Netherlands had a mixed group stage, with a win against Poland, a draw with France, and a loss to Austria. Cody Gakpo has been a bright spot, and they qualified as one of the best third-placed teams for the Euro Cup last 16.
Coach: Ronald Koeman: Koeman, a EURO winner as a player in 1988, seeks to repeat that success as a coach, aiming to guide the Netherlands deep into the knockout stages.
Did you know? Cody Gakpo has scored five of the Netherlands’ last eight group stage goals at EURO finals and World Cups.
Portugal
Group F Winners
- 2-1 vs Czechia
- 3-0 vs Türkiye
- 0-2 vs Georgia
Pedigree: EURO best: Winners (2016). EURO 2020: Round of 16, lost to Belgium.
Story so far: Portugal secured top spot in Group F with wins over Czechia and Türkiye. Despite a loss to Georgia in their final match where Roberto Martínez rotated the squad, Portugal looks strong heading into the Euro Cup last 16. Cristiano Ronaldo is still seeking his first goal of the tournament.
Coach: Roberto Martínez: Martínez has made a strong start as Portugal coach, leading them through a perfect qualifying campaign and a successful group stage.
Did you know? Portugal has a 100% record of reaching EURO knockout stages in all nine of their appearances.
Romania
Group E Winners
- 3-0 vs Ukraine
- 0-2 vs Belgium
- 1-1 vs Slovakia
Pedigree: EURO best: Quarter-finals (2000). EURO 2020: Did not qualify.
Story so far: Romania topped Group E in impressive fashion, highlighted by a 3-0 victory over Ukraine. Reaching the Euro Cup last 16 for the first time in 24 years, they aim to emulate their EURO 2000 quarter-finalist team.
Coach: Edward Iordănescu: Iordănescu Jr. has led Romania back to the EUROs after an eight-year absence, emphasizing modern preparation and building a new generation of players.
Did you know? Edward Iordănescu’s father, Anghel Iordănescu, coached Romania to the World Cup quarter-finals in 1994.
Slovakia
Third place in Group E
- 1-0 vs Belgium
- 1-2 vs Ukraine
- 1-1 vs Romania
Pedigree: EURO best: Winners (as Czechoslovakia, 1976), Round of 16 (as Slovakia, 2016). EURO 2020: Group stage.
Story so far: Slovakia started EURO 2024 with a stunning win against Belgium. Qualifying for the Euro Cup last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, they will be a tough opponent for England.
Coach: Francesco Calzona: Calzona took over in 2022 and has quickly made an impact, guiding Slovakia to the knockout stages.
Did you know? EURO 2016 was Slovakia’s first EURO finals as an independent nation, where they reached the round of 16.
Slovenia
Third place in Group C
- 1-1 vs Denmark
- 1-1 vs Serbia
- 0-0 vs England
Pedigree: EURO best: Group stage (2000). EURO 2020: Did not qualify.
Story so far: Slovenia reached the Euro Cup last 16 for the first time, celebrating wildly after their draw with England. With Jan Oblak in goal and Benjamin Šeško in attack, they are a team to watch.
Coach: Matjaž Kek: Kek is back for his second major tournament, having led Slovenia to the 2010 World Cup. His experience is vital for Slovenia’s knockout stage ambitions.
Did you know? Slovenia has drawn five of their six games at EURO finals, a higher draw ratio than any other team.
Spain
Group B Winners
- 3-0 vs Croatia
- 1-0 vs Italy
- 1-0 vs Albania
Pedigree: EURO best: Winners (1964, 2008, 2012). EURO 2020: Semi-finals, lost to Italy on penalties.
Story so far: Spain has been the most dominant team in the group stage, winning all three matches without conceding a goal. Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in EURO history, and Álvaro Morata is among the tournament’s top scorers. Spain are strong favorites in the Euro Cup last 16.
Coach: Luis de la Fuente: De la Fuente has a history of winning, including the UEFA Nations League and youth EURO titles with Spain. He aims to guide Spain to their fourth EURO title.
Did you know? Spain is the only nation to win three consecutive major international titles: EURO 2008, 2010 World Cup, and EURO 2012.
Switzerland
Group A Runners-up
- 3-1 vs Hungary
- 1-1 vs Scotland
- 1-1 vs Germany
Pedigree: EURO best: Quarter-finals (2020). EURO 2020: Quarter-finals, lost to Spain on penalties.
Story so far: Switzerland remained unbeaten in the group stage, showing consistency under Murat Yakin. Xherdan Shaqiri’s stunning goal against Scotland was a highlight. They are aiming to surpass their EURO 2020 quarter-final achievement in the Euro Cup last 16.
Coach: Murat Yakin: Yakin has maintained Switzerland’s consistent performance in major tournaments, guiding them to the knockout stages of consecutive competitions.
Did you know? EURO ’96 was Switzerland’s first EURO finals; this is their sixth appearance in the last eight editions.
Türkiye
Group F Runners-up
- 3-1 vs Georgia
- 0-3 vs Portugal
- 2-1 vs Czechia
Pedigree: EURO best: Semi-finals (2008). EURO 2020: Group stage.
Story so far: Türkiye played in one of the most exciting group stage matches against Georgia, winning 3-1. After a loss to Portugal, they secured their Euro Cup last 16 spot with a victory over Czechia. Young stars like Arda Güler have impressed.
Coach: Vincenzo Montella: Montella took over as coach shortly before EURO 2024 qualifying concluded and successfully guided Türkiye to the finals.
Did you know? Türkiye was in the same group as Portugal and Czechia at EURO 2008 and defeated Czechia in the final group match in both 2008 and 2016.
Conclusion: Euro Cup Last 16 Promises High Drama
The Euro Cup last 16 is set to deliver thrilling encounters and potentially historic moments. With a mix of tournament favorites, dark horses, and debutants, every match promises to be a spectacle. Football fans should prepare for high drama as the journey to the Berlin final intensifies in the Euro Cup last 16.
