Germany stepped into the spotlight as the host nation for EURO 2024, officially the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship. The decision was finalized at a UEFA Executive Committee gathering in Nyon on September 27, 2018, where Germany’s bid surpassed that of Türkiye. While West Germany proudly hosted EURO 1988, Euro Soccer 2024 marked the first time unified Germany welcomed the tournament, adding to its rich history of hosting major soccer events, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
When Did EURO 2024 Take Place? Key Dates and Timeline
Soccer fans worldwide marked their calendars for EURO 2024, which unfolded from June 14th to July 14th, 2024. The month-long festival of football kicked off with the group stage on June 14th, culminating on June 26th. The intensity ramped up with the knockout stage commencing on June 29th, leading to the highly anticipated final.
As hosts, Germany was automatically placed in Group A, position A1, granting them the honor of playing the opening match. They delivered a dominant performance, securing a 5-1 victory against Scotland at the Munich Football Arena on Friday, June 14th. Germany’s national team, with its historical lineage including West Germany, boasts a consistent presence at the EUROs since 1972. Their past successes include West Germany’s triumphs in 1972 and 1980, and a further victory for unified Germany at EURO ’96.
Which Nations Competed in EURO 2024? Qualified Teams and Groups
The path to EURO soccer 2024 culminated in a thrilling final tournament draw held in Hamburg on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, setting the stage for the group battles.
The EURO 2024 groups were configured 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 qualified via play-offs, adding an extra layer of drama and excitement to the final lineup.
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EURO 2024 Tournament Format: How Did it Work?
Staying consistent with the successful formula of UEFA EURO 2020, EURO soccer 2024 employed the same tournament format. The top two teams from each of the six groups advanced directly to the round of 16. They were joined by the four best third-placed teams, ensuring a competitive and engaging knockout stage featuring the strongest contenders.
EURO 2024 Final Venue: Where Was the Championship Decided?
The prestigious Olympiastadion in Berlin was selected to host the EURO 2024 final on Sunday, July 14th, 2024. In a thrilling showdown, Spain triumphed over England with a 2-1 victory, clinching their fourth EURO title and establishing themselves as the first nation to achieve this milestone.
EURO 2024 Host Cities and Stadiums: A Tour Across Germany
Ten vibrant cities across Germany were chosen as host venues for EURO soccer 2024. Impressively, nine of these were also utilized for the 2006 World Cup, showcasing Germany’s well-established football infrastructure. Düsseldorf Arena was the additional venue, rounding out the list of top-tier stadiums.
Munich Football Arena achieved a unique distinction by hosting EURO matches for the second consecutive tournament, having been among the eleven stadiums that staged games during 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 EURO 2024 host cities in Germany
The ten host cities selected to stage EURO soccer 2024 matches across Germany.
Sustainability at EURO 2024: A Greener Tournament
Reflecting growing global awareness, EURO soccer 2024 prioritized environmental and social sustainability. UEFA implemented a comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, aiming to set a new benchmark for major sporting events. Explore the full ESG strategy here to understand the initiatives undertaken for a more responsible and eco-friendly tournament.
EURO 2024 Fan Zones: Experience the Excitement
Each host city created vibrant fan zones, offering public viewing and a festive atmosphere for supporters. These zones became hubs of excitement, allowing fans to gather, celebrate, and immerse themselves in the EURO soccer 2024 spirit.
Enthusiastic fans in Berlin's EURO 2024 Fan Zone
Fans enjoying the EURO 2024 opening match between Germany and Scotland at the Fan Zone in Platz der Republik, Berlin.
FUSSBALLLIEBE: The Official EURO 2024 Match Ball
“FUSSBALLLIEBE,” meaning “love of football” in German, was unveiled as the Official Match Ball of UEFA EURO 2024. Launched in November 2023 in Berlin, this innovative ball, developed by Adidas, incorporated Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a EURO tournament, providing enhanced data and insights during matches.
Albärt: The EURO 2024 Mascot
Albärt, a charming teddy bear, was chosen as the official mascot for EURO soccer 2024. Selected through a vote by UEFA.com users and schoolchildren, Albärt won 32% of the vote, becoming a friendly and recognizable symbol of the tournament. He made his debut in June 2023, engaging with fans across Germany.
Albärt mascot posing with the EURO 2024 trophy
Albärt, the official mascot for UEFA EURO soccer 2024, during the trophy tour in Stuttgart.
City Ambassadors of EURO 2024: Local Legends
Each host city appointed ambassadors, prominent figures from sports and culture, to represent EURO 2024 and their respective locations:
- 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 Volunteers: The Heart of the Tournament
An overwhelming 146,000 individuals applied to volunteer at EURO soccer 2024, with 16,000 passionate individuals from 124 countries selected. These volunteers were integral to the tournament’s success, offering support in host cities and stadiums, embodying the EURO 2024 motto: ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’ (United in the Heart of Europe).
EURO 2024 volunteers in their uniforms
A group of the 16,000 volunteers who contributed to the success of EURO soccer 2024.
“FIRE”: The Official EURO 2024 Song
“FIRE,” a high-energy track by Italian producers Meduza, American band OneRepublic, and German singer Leony, was chosen as the Official Song of EURO 2024. Released on streaming platforms, the song captured the excitement of EURO soccer 2024, blending anthemic house, pop-rock, and pop elements.
eEURO 2024: Esports Takes the Stage
UEFA eEURO 2024, the esports version of the tournament, kicked off with online qualifiers in March 2024, culminating in a final in Germany. Using EA SPORTS FC™ 24 as the official platform, eEURO 2024 highlighted the growing intersection of traditional football and esports, engaging a new audience with EURO soccer 2024.
