The UEFA EURO 2024 captivated football fans across the globe, culminating in a thrilling final match. Germany proudly hosted this prestigious 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship, marking their first time staging the tournament since reunification, although West Germany did host EURO 1988. The decision to award hosting duties to Germany was made at a UEFA Executive Committee meeting on 27 September 2018, where they edged out Türkiye in the bidding process. Building on Germany’s strong football heritage, which includes hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup, EURO 2024 promised and delivered a memorable footballing spectacle.
The tournament unfolded between 14 June and 14 July 2024, keeping fans on the edge of their seats for a full month of high-stakes European football. The group stage matches ran until 26 June, setting the stage for the knockout rounds which commenced on 29 June. As the host nation, Germany automatically qualified and was placed in Group A, positioned at A1. They inaugurated the tournament with an impressive 5-1 victory against Scotland at the Munich Football Arena on Friday, 14 June, showcasing their intent from the outset. Germany, or formerly West Germany, boasts a consistent EURO presence since 1972, with past triumphs in 1972 and 1980 as West Germany, and again in EURO ’96 as a unified Germany.
The road to the EURO 2024 final was paved through a meticulously structured tournament format, mirroring the successful 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 competitive and exciting knockout phase leading to the ultimate showdown – the Uefa Euro Final.
The highly anticipated UEFA EURO final took place on Sunday, 14 July 2024, at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion. In a historic clash, Spain emerged victorious against England with a 2-1 scoreline. This win was particularly significant as it crowned Spain as the first nation to secure four EURO titles, cementing their legacy in European football history. The final in Berlin was not just a game; it was a culmination of weeks of intense competition, dreams, and national pride, witnessed by millions worldwide.
Germany strategically selected ten host cities to stage the EURO 2024 matches. Impressively, nine of these were venues previously utilized during the 2006 World Cup, with the addition of the modern Düsseldorf Arena. Munich Football Arena held the distinction of hosting EURO matches for the second consecutive tournament, having been among the eleven stadiums for UEFA EURO 2020.
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)
Aerial view of the ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities stadiums
Beyond the thrilling matches, UEFA EURO 2024 emphasized sustainability, reflecting growing expectations for environmentally and socially responsible events. The tournament implemented various measures and investments detailed in their Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, aiming to set a benchmark for future sporting events.
To enhance the fan experience, each host city established vibrant fan zones equipped with public viewing areas. These zones became hubs for supporters to gather, celebrate, and immerse themselves in the EURO spirit.
Enthusiastic fans in Berlin's EURO 2024 Fan Zone at Platz der Republik
The official match ball, FUSSBALLLIEBE, meaning “love of football” in German, was unveiled in Berlin and featured adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a EURO tournament, adding a technological edge to the games. Albärt, a teddy bear, was chosen as the official mascot through a public vote, becoming a friendly face of EURO 2024 and engaging with fans, especially children.
Albärt mascot holding the UEFA EURO 2024 trophy during a promotional event
City ambassadors, including football legends and local personalities, represented each host city, further connecting the tournament with local communities. An extensive volunteer program saw 16,000 individuals from 124 nations contribute to the event’s success, embodying the tournament’s motto: ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’
Smiling EURO 2024 volunteers posing for a group photo
The official EURO 2024 song, “FIRE,” by Meduza, OneRepublic, and Leony, provided the soundtrack to the tournament, capturing the energy and passion of EURO 2024. Even the virtual realm was engaged with UEFA eEURO 2024, culminating in finals held in Germany, showcasing e-sports talent on the EA SPORTS FC™ 24 platform.
In conclusion, UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany was a resounding success, marked by thrilling football action, a focus on sustainability, and widespread fan engagement, all culminating in a memorable final where Spain claimed victory. The tournament not only celebrated top-tier European football but also showcased Germany’s organizational prowess and passion for the sport.
