Germany stepped up as host for the EURO 2024, officially known as the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship, delivering a memorable tournament that captivated football fans globally. The decision to award Germany the hosting rights was finalized at a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Nyon on September 27, 2018, where they edged out Türkiye, the only other bidding nation. This marked a significant moment as it was the first time Germany hosted the Euro Cup Finals since reunification, although West Germany had previously hosted the 1988 edition. The nation’s strong football pedigree, further cemented by hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup, made it a fitting stage for the prestigious Euro Cup Finals 2024.
Key Highlights of the Euro Cup Finals 2024
The Euro Cup Finals 2024 spanned a month of thrilling football action, kicking off on June 14 and culminating on July 14, 2024. The group stage matches, filled with intense rivalries and surprising upsets, concluded on June 26, paving the way for the knockout stage which commenced on June 29. As the host nation, Germany automatically qualified and was placed in Group A, positioned at A1. This ensured they played the highly anticipated opening match at the Munich Football Arena on Friday, June 14, where they secured a dominant 5-1 victory against Scotland. Germany, including its West German history, boasts a consistent presence in the EUROs since 1972, with past triumphs in 1972 and 1980 as West Germany, and again in EURO ’96 as a unified Germany, underscoring their rich footballing heritage and contributing to the excitement surrounding the Euro Cup Finals 2024 on home soil.
The draw for the final tournament groups took place in Hamburg on Saturday, December 2, 2023, setting the stage for the competition. 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
*Qualified via play-offs
The tournament format mirrored the successful structure of UEFA EURO 2020. The top two teams from each of the six groups advanced to the round of 16, joined by the four best third-placed teams, ensuring a high level of competition and excitement leading into the final stages of the Euro Cup Finals 2024.
Euro Cup Finals 2024 Host Cities: Venues Across Germany
Germany utilized ten world-class venues across the nation to host the Euro Cup Finals 2024 matches. These cities and stadiums played a crucial role in delivering a fantastic atmosphere for fans and players alike. Nine of these stadiums were also used during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, proving their readiness and top-notch facilities for major football events. The Düsseldorf Arena was the additional venue, rounding out the list of host stadiums. Notably, the Munich Football Arena had the unique distinction of hosting matches for the second consecutive EURO, having been one of the eleven venues for UEFA EURO 2020.
The host cities for the Euro Cup Finals 2024 were:
Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (capacity: 71,000)
Cologne: Cologne Stadium (43,000)
Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (62,000)
Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (47,000)
Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (47,000)
Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (50,000)
Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (49,000)
Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (40,000)
Munich: Munich Football Arena (66,000)
Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (51,000)
Euro Cup 2024 Host Cities in Germany
Euro Cup 2024 Host Cities: A map displaying the ten vibrant cities across Germany that hosted the tournament.
The final of the Euro Cup Finals 2024 was held at 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 marked Spain as the first nation to achieve four European Championship titles, adding a historic chapter to the Euro Cup Finals legacy.
Beyond the Game: Euro Cup Finals 2024 Experience
The Euro Cup Finals 2024 extended beyond the matches played on the pitch. Germany ensured a holistic and engaging experience for fans, emphasizing sustainability and community spirit. Each host city established dedicated fan zones, equipped with large public viewing screens, creating vibrant hubs for supporters to gather, celebrate, and experience the excitement of the tournament together.
Fan Zone in Berlin during Euro Cup 2024
Berlin Fan Zone at Euro Cup 2024: Fans enjoying the match between Germany and Scotland at the Platz der Republik.
Reflecting a growing global consciousness, UEFA EURO 2024 prioritized environmental and social sustainability. The tournament organizers implemented numerous targeted measures and investments, aiming to set a benchmark for future sporting events in responsible event management. A comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy guided these efforts, showcasing a commitment to minimizing environmental impact and maximizing positive social contributions. Detailed information about the sustainability strategy can be found in the full ESG strategy document.
The volunteer program for Euro Cup Finals 2024 was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Over 146,000 applications were received, and from this vast pool, 16,000 volunteers from 124 countries were selected. These volunteers were integral to the tournament’s success, serving as ambassadors in the ten host cities and stadiums. They played a crucial role in welcoming guests from around the world and embodying the tournament’s motto: ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’ Their dedication and spirit contributed significantly to making the Euro Cup Finals 2024 a truly inclusive and welcoming event.
Volunteers at Euro Cup 2024
Euro Cup 2024 Volunteers: A group of smiling volunteers representing the heart and soul of the tournament.
Adding to the tournament’s vibrant atmosphere, FUSSBALLLIEBE, the Official Match Ball of UEFA EURO 2024, was unveiled in November 2023. Developed by UEFA and Adidas, this ball featured Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a EURO competition. The name, German for “love of football,” perfectly encapsulated the passion and excitement of the Euro Cup Finals 2024. Albärt, a charming teddy bear, was chosen as the official mascot through a vote involving UEFA.com users and schoolchildren. Albärt became a recognizable and beloved symbol of the tournament, engaging with fans of all ages.
Albärt Euro 2024 Mascot
Albärt the Euro Cup 2024 Mascot: The official mascot, Albärt, a teddy bear, promoting the tournament.
The official song for EURO 2024, titled “FIRE,” further amplified the tournament’s energy. Created by Italian producers Meduza, American band OneRepublic, and German singer Leony, the song became the soundtrack to the Euro Cup Finals 2024, blending musical genres and international talents to capture the spirit of football. Beyond the physical game, UEFA eEURO 2024, using EA SPORTS FC™ 24 as its platform, engaged esports enthusiasts, starting with online qualifiers in March 2024 and culminating in finals in Germany, showcasing the expanding reach of the EURO brand.
Euro Cup Finals 2024 Legacy and German Host Nation Pride
Each host city for the Euro Cup Finals 2024 was represented by city ambassadors, prominent figures chosen to promote the tournament and their respective cities. These ambassadors, including football legends and local personalities, added a layer of local pride and connection to the event.
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
In conclusion, the Euro Cup Finals 2024 in Germany was a resounding success. It showcased top-tier football, celebrated fan culture, and highlighted Germany’s capability as a host nation. From the vibrant fan zones to the commitment to sustainability and the dedication of volunteers, EURO 2024 delivered a memorable experience for everyone involved, leaving a positive legacy for future tournaments. The tournament underscored the unifying power of football and Germany’s passion for the sport on the grand European stage.
