The road to UEFA EURO 2024 has been an exciting journey, with nations across Europe battling it out in the Euro 2024 Qualification Groups to secure their place in the final tournament hosted by Germany. From March to November 2023, the European Qualifiers delivered thrilling matches, unexpected results, and showcased the passion for football across the continent. This article provides a detailed look at the euro 2024 qualification groups, highlighting key matchdays, results, and the teams that have successfully navigated this challenging phase.
The draw for the EURO 2024 final tournament, held in Hamburg on December 2nd, 2023, set the stage for what promises to be a captivating competition. The euro 2024 qualification groups determined the composition of these final tournament groups, adding another layer of intrigue to the qualification process. Here’s a reminder of the EURO 2024 final tournament groups:
EURO 2024 Final Tournament 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
The final three spots for the tournament will be decided in the play-offs, scheduled for March 2024, adding a final chapter to the euro 2024 qualification groups saga.
EURO 2024 Qualification Matchday Highlights
Let’s delve into the key moments from each matchday of the euro 2024 qualification groups, showcasing the drama and excitement that unfolded.
Matchday 1: March 23-25, 2023
Matchday 1 of the euro 2024 qualification groups set the tone for the campaign, with some significant clashes and early indicators of team form.
- Group C witnessed a major upset as England defeated reigning European champions Italy 2-1 in Naples, signaling England’s strong intent. In the same group, North Macedonia edged out Malta 2-1.
- Group H saw Slovenia overcome Kazakhstan 2-1 away, while Denmark started strong with a 3-1 victory over Finland. Northern Ireland secured a comfortable 2-0 win against San Marino.
- Group J began with Bosnia and Herzegovina dominating Iceland 3-0, Portugal cruised to a 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein, and Slovakia and Luxembourg played out a goalless draw.
- Group B featured a dominant France side defeating the Netherlands 4-0 in a high-profile encounter, and Greece secured a 3-0 away win against Gibraltar.
- Group E saw Czechia defeat Poland 3-1, while Moldova and Faroe Islands drew 1-1.
- Group F started with Austria’s 4-1 victory over Azerbaijan and Belgium’s impressive 3-0 away win against Sweden.
- Group G saw Montenegro secure a narrow 1-0 win against Bulgaria, and Serbia defeated Lithuania 2-0.
- Group A witnessed Scotland’s confident 3-0 win over Cyprus and Spain’s similar 3-0 victory against Norway.
- Group D saw Türkiye narrowly defeat Armenia 2-1, and Croatia and Wales played out a 1-1 draw.
- Group I began with Switzerland’s commanding 5-0 away win against Belarus, Romania’s 2-0 victory over Andorra, and Israel and Kosovo drawing 1-1.
Matchday 2: March 26-28, 2023
Matchday 2 of the euro 2024 qualification groups continued the momentum, with teams vying to establish early dominance in their respective groups.
- Group C saw England maintain their winning streak with a 2-0 victory over Ukraine, while Italy responded with a 2-0 win against Malta.
- Group H witnessed a surprising turn as Kazakhstan defeated Denmark 3-2, while Slovenia continued their good form with a 2-0 win against San Marino. Finland defeated Northern Ireland 1-0.
- Group J saw Iceland suffer a heavy 7-0 defeat against Iceland, Luxembourg were defeated 6-0 by Portugal, and Slovakia defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0.
- Group B saw the Netherlands bounce back with a 3-0 win against Gibraltar, and France continued their winning run with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
- Group E saw Moldova and Czechia draw 0-0, and Poland secured a 1-0 win against Albania.
- Group F witnessed Austria defeating Estonia 2-1, and Sweden responded with a 5-0 victory against Azerbaijan.
- Group G saw Hungary defeat Bulgaria 3-0, and Serbia overcame Montenegro 2-0.
- Group A saw Georgia and Norway draw 1-1, and Scotland secured a significant 2-0 victory against Spain.
- Group D saw Türkiye lose 2-0 to Croatia, and Wales defeated Latvia 1-0.
- Group I witnessed Kosovo and Andorra drawing 1-1, Romania defeating Belarus 2-1, and Switzerland securing a 3-0 win against Israel.
Matchday 3 & 4: June 16-20, 2023
June’s international break featured Matchdays 3 and 4 of the euro 2024 qualification groups, marking the halfway point for many teams and intensifying the competition for qualification spots.
- Group B saw France maintain their perfect record with wins against Gibraltar (3-0) and Greece (1-0), while Greece also defeated the Republic of Ireland (2-1). The Republic of Ireland responded by beating Gibraltar (3-0).
- Group C saw England continue their dominance with wins against Malta (4-0) and North Macedonia (7-0), showcasing their attacking prowess. Ukraine defeated North Macedonia (3-2) and Malta (1-0).
- Group D witnessed Türkiye securing wins against Latvia (3-2) and Wales (2-0), while Armenia stunned Wales (4-2) and also defeated Latvia (2-1).
- Group H saw Denmark defeat Northern Ireland (1-0), but then drew with Slovenia (1-1). Finland defeated Slovenia (2-0) and San Marino (6-0). Kazakhstan defeated San Marino (3-0) and Northern Ireland (1-0).
- Group I saw Switzerland maintain their strong position with wins against Andorra (2-1) and Romania (2-2 draw, 2-2). Israel defeated Belarus (2-1) and Andorra (2-1), while Kosovo and Romania drew 0-0. Belarus defeated Kosovo (2-1).
- Group A saw Scotland continue their impressive run with wins against Norway (2-1) and Georgia (2-0). Georgia defeated Cyprus (2-1), and Norway defeated Cyprus (3-1).
- Group E saw Albania secure victories against Moldova (2-0) and Faroe Islands (3-1). Czechia defeated Faroe Islands (3-0) and drew with Moldova (0-0). Poland lost to Moldova (2-3) and defeated Albania (1-0).
- Group F saw Belgium and Austria draw (1-1). Austria defeated Azerbaijan (4-1) and Sweden (2-0). Belgium defeated Estonia (3-0). Azerbaijan and Estonia drew (1-1). Sweden defeated Azerbaijan (5-0).
- Group G saw Hungary and Montenegro draw (0-0). Hungary defeated Lithuania (2-0). Montenegro defeated Bulgaria (1-0). Serbia defeated Lithuania (2-0) and drew with Bulgaria (1-1).
- Group J saw Portugal secure wins against Bosnia and Herzegovina (3-0) and Iceland (1-0). Luxembourg defeated Liechtenstein (2-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). Slovakia defeated Iceland (2-1) and Liechtenstein (1-0). Iceland defeated Liechtenstein (1-0).
Matchday 5 & 6: September 7-12, 2023
As the euro 2024 qualification groups entered September, the stakes were higher than ever, with teams pushing for crucial points to solidify their qualification hopes.
- Group B saw France defeat the Republic of Ireland (2-0) and the Netherlands (2-1). The Netherlands also defeated Greece (3-0) and the Republic of Ireland (2-1), while Greece defeated Gibraltar (5-0).
- Group E saw Czechia and Albania draw (1-1). Poland defeated Faroe Islands (2-0) and lost to Albania (0-2). Albania also defeated Poland (2-0). Moldova defeated Faroe Islands (1-0).
- Group G witnessed Hungary defeating Serbia (2-1). Serbia defeated Lithuania (3-1). Montenegro and Lithuania drew (2-2). Montenegro defeated Bulgaria (2-1).
- Group H saw Denmark defeat San Marino (4-0) and Finland (1-0). Slovenia defeated Northern Ireland (4-2) and San Marino (4-0). Finland defeated Kazakhstan (1-0) and lost to Denmark (0-1). Kazakhstan defeated Northern Ireland (1-0).
- Group A saw Spain dominate Georgia (7-1) and Cyprus (6-0). Scotland defeated Cyprus (3-0). Georgia defeated Norway (2-1).
- Group D saw Croatia defeat Latvia (5-0) and Armenia (1-0). Türkiye drew with Armenia (1-1) and defeated Wales (2-0). Wales defeated Latvia (2-0).
- Group J saw Portugal defeat Slovakia (1-0) and Luxembourg (9-0). Luxembourg defeated Iceland (3-1). Slovakia defeated Liechtenstein (3-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). Iceland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-0). Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Liechtenstein (2-1).
- Group C saw Ukraine and England draw (1-1). Italy and North Macedonia drew (1-1). Italy defeated Ukraine (2-1). North Macedonia defeated Malta (2-0). England defeated Malta (2-0).
- Group F saw Belgium defeat Azerbaijan (1-0) and Estonia (5-0). Sweden defeated Estonia (5-0) and lost to Austria (1-3). Austria defeated Sweden (3-1).
- Group I saw Switzerland and Kosovo draw (2-2). Romania and Israel drew (1-1). Switzerland defeated Andorra (3-0). Romania defeated Kosovo (2-0). Israel defeated Belarus (1-0). Andorra and Belarus drew (0-0).
Matchday 7 & 8: October 12-17, 2023
October’s international fixtures for the euro 2024 qualification groups were pivotal, with qualification spots and play-off berths becoming clearer.
- Group A saw Spain defeat Scotland (2-0) and Norway (1-0). Norway defeated Cyprus (4-0) and lost to Spain (0-1). Georgia defeated Cyprus (4-0).
- Group D witnessed Türkiye defeating Croatia (1-0) and Latvia (4-0). Wales defeated Croatia (2-1). Latvia defeated Armenia (2-0).
- Group E saw Albania defeat Czechia (3-0) and draw with Moldova (1-1). Czechia defeated Faroe Islands (1-0). Poland defeated Faroe Islands (2-0) and drew with Moldova (1-1).
- Group I saw Switzerland draw with Belarus (3-3) and defeat Andorra (3-0). Romania defeated Andorra (4-0) and drew with Belarus (0-0). Kosovo defeated Andorra (3-0) and lost to Israel (0-1). Israel and Switzerland drew (1-1).
- Group B saw France defeat the Netherlands (2-1). The Netherlands defeated Greece (1-0). Greece defeated the Republic of Ireland (2-0) and lost to the Netherlands (0-1). Republic of Ireland defeated Gibraltar (4-0) and lost to Greece (0-2).
- Group F saw Belgium defeat Austria (3-2). Austria defeated Azerbaijan (1-0) and Belgium (2-3). Azerbaijan defeated Estonia (2-0). Belgium and Sweden match was abandoned at half-time (1-1).
- Group J saw Portugal defeat Slovakia (3-2) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (5-0). Slovakia defeated Luxembourg (1-0). Iceland defeated Liechtenstein (4-0). Luxembourg and Iceland drew (1-1). Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Liechtenstein (2-0) and lost to Portugal (0-5).
- Group C saw Italy defeat Malta (4-0) and lose to England (1-3). England defeated Italy (3-1). Ukraine defeated North Macedonia (2-0) and lost to Italy (1-2). North Macedonia lost to Ukraine (0-2) and Italy (2-5).
- Group G saw Hungary defeat Serbia (2-1) and draw with Lithuania (2-2). Serbia defeated Montenegro (3-1). Lithuania defeated Bulgaria (2-0) and drew with Hungary (2-2). Bulgaria lost to Lithuania (0-2).
- Group H saw Slovenia defeat Finland (3-0) and Northern Ireland (1-0). Denmark defeated Kazakhstan (3-1) and San Marino (2-1). Northern Ireland defeated San Marino (3-0) and lost to Slovenia (0-1). Finland lost to Slovenia (0-3) and Kazakhstan (1-2). Kazakhstan defeated Finland (2-1). San Marino lost to Northern Ireland (0-3).
Matchday 9 & 10: November 16-21, 2023
The final matchdays of the euro 2024 qualification groups in November decided the final automatic qualification spots and play-off participants.
- Group A saw Spain defeat Cyprus (3-1) and Georgia (3-1). Scotland drew with Georgia (2-2) and Norway (3-3). Norway drew with Scotland (3-3). Georgia drew with Scotland (2-2) and lost to Spain (1-3).
- Group F witnessed Austria defeating Estonia (2-0). Azerbaijan defeated Sweden (3-0) and lost to Belgium (0-5). Belgium defeated Azerbaijan (5-0). Sweden lost to Azerbaijan (0-3) and Belgium (0-2).
- Group G saw Hungary draw with Bulgaria (2-2) and defeat Montenegro (3-1). Serbia defeated Lithuania (3-1) and drew with Bulgaria (2-2). Montenegro defeated Lithuania (2-0) and lost to Hungary (1-3). Bulgaria drew with Hungary (2-2) and Serbia (2-2).
- Group J saw Portugal defeat Liechtenstein (2-0) and Iceland (2-0). Slovakia defeated Iceland (4-2) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-1). Luxembourg defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-1) and Liechtenstein (1-0). Iceland lost to Portugal (0-2) and Slovakia (2-4). Bosnia and Herzegovina lost to Luxembourg (1-4) and Slovakia (1-2). Liechtenstein lost to Portugal (0-2) and Luxembourg (0-1).
- Group C saw Italy defeat North Macedonia (5-2) and draw with Ukraine (0-0). England defeated Malta (2-0) and drew with North Macedonia (1-1). Ukraine drew with Italy (0-0). North Macedonia drew with England (1-1). Malta lost to England (0-2).
- Group E saw Albania draw with Moldova (1-1) and Faroe Islands (0-0). Czechia drew with Poland (1-1) and defeated Moldova (3-0). Poland drew with Czechia (1-1). Moldova drew with Albania (1-1) and lost to Czechia (0-3). Faroe Islands drew with Albania (0-0).
- Group H saw Denmark defeat Slovenia (2-1) and lost to Northern Ireland (0-2). Slovenia defeated Kazakhstan (2-1) and lost to Denmark (1-2). Finland defeated Northern Ireland (4-0) and San Marino (2-1). Northern Ireland defeated Denmark (2-0) and lost to Finland (0-4). Kazakhstan defeated San Marino (3-1) and lost to Slovenia (1-2). San Marino lost to Kazakhstan (1-3) and Finland (1-2).
- Group B saw France defeat Gibraltar (14-0) and draw with Greece (2-2). Netherlands defeated the Republic of Ireland (1-0) and Gibraltar (6-0). Greece drew with France (2-2). Republic of Ireland lost to the Netherlands (0-1). Gibraltar lost to France (0-14) and Netherlands (0-6).
- Group D saw Croatia defeat Latvia (2-0) and Armenia (1-0). Wales drew with Armenia (1-1) and Türkiye (1-1). Türkiye drew with Wales (1-1). Armenia drew with Wales (1-1) and lost to Croatia (0-1). Latvia lost to Croatia (0-2).
- Group I saw Romania defeat Switzerland (1-0) and Israel (2-1). Switzerland drew with Kosovo (1-1) and Belarus (3-3). Israel defeated Andorra (2-0) and lost to Romania (1-2). Belarus defeated Andorra (1-0) and Kosovo (1-0). Kosovo defeated Belarus (1-0) and lost to Switzerland (1-1). Andorra lost to Belarus (0-1).
Qualified Teams from EURO 2024 Qualification Groups
The euro 2024 qualification groups stage determined the majority of the teams heading to Germany. Here are the teams that qualified directly from the group stage:
- Germany (Hosts)
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czechia
- Denmark
- England
- France
- Hungary
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Romania
- Scotland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
The final three spots will be decided through the play-offs in March 2024, adding one last layer of excitement to the euro 2024 qualification groups narrative.
The euro 2024 qualification groups have provided a thrilling preview of what to expect at the final tournament. With established powerhouses and emerging nations securing their places, EURO 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable footballing spectacle. Football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the final play-offs and the subsequent final tournament draw, ready to witness the best of European football compete for the coveted title.