The road to UEFA EURO 2024 was paved with thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and nail-biting finishes as nations across Europe battled it out in the European Qualifiers from March to November 2023. These qualifiers determined the majority of the teams who will compete alongside hosts Germany in the final tournament. With the group stage draw already completed in Hamburg on December 2, 2023, anticipation is building for EURO 2024. Let’s delve into a detailed recap of the Euro 2024 Qualifying journey, highlighting key matchdays and the teams that secured their spots.
The draw for the EURO 2024 final tournament has set the stage for some enthralling group clashes:
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
These groups promise a mix of heavyweight encounters and intriguing underdog stories. But before the final tournament kicks off, it’s crucial to understand how these teams earned their places. The euro 2024 qualifying process was a marathon of ten matchdays, showcasing the best of European football.
EURO 2024 Qualifying Matchday Recaps
Matchday 1: March 23-25, 2023 – Setting the Tone
The euro 2024 qualifying campaign began with a bang in March 2023. Matchday 1 delivered immediate drama and set the stage for the months to come.
Key Highlights from Matchday 1:
- Group C: England immediately asserted their dominance in a crucial away match, defeating reigning European champions Italy 2-1 in Naples. This early victory was a statement of intent from the Three Lions.
- Group B: France delivered a powerful performance against the Netherlands, securing a 4-0 victory. This dominant win signaled France’s ambition to qualify strongly.
- Group H: Denmark, a team with high expectations, started their campaign with a solid 3-1 win over Finland.
- Group A: Spain showcased their strength with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Norway, despite the absence of Erling Haaland in Norway’s lineup.
- Surprise Result: North Macedonia edged out Malta 2-1 in Group C, indicating that this group might offer more competition than initially anticipated.
Matchday 1 Results Overview:
Thursday 23 March 2023
Group C: Italy 1-2 England, North Macedonia 2-1 Malta
Group H: Kazakhstan 1-2 Slovenia, Denmark 3-1 Finland, San Marino 0-2 Northern Ireland
Group J: Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 Iceland, Portugal 4-0 Liechtenstein, Slovakia 0-0 Luxembourg
Friday 24 March 2023
Group B: France 4-0 Netherlands, Gibraltar 0-3 Greece
Group E: Czechia 3-1 Poland, Moldova 1-1 Faroe Islands
Group F: Austria 4-1 Azerbaijan, Sweden 0-3 Belgium
Group G: Bulgaria 0-1 Montenegro, Serbia 2-0 Lithuania
Saturday 25 March 2023
Group A: Scotland 3-0 Cyprus, Spain 3-0 Norway
Group D: Armenia 1-2 Türkiye, Croatia 1-1 Wales
Group I: Belarus 0-5 Switzerland, Andorra 0-2 Romania, Israel 1-1 Kosovo
Matchday 2: March 26-28, 2023 – Upsets and Recoveries
Matchday 2 of euro 2024 qualifying witnessed some surprising results and strong comebacks.
Key Highlights from Matchday 2:
- Group H Upset: Kazakhstan stunned Denmark with a 3-2 victory after being down 2-0, showcasing the unpredictable nature of qualifiers.
- Group A Shock: Scotland continued their strong start by defeating Spain 2-0, establishing themselves as serious contenders in their group.
- Group C Consolidation: England maintained their winning streak with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ukraine at Wembley, reinforcing their top position.
- Dominant Portugal: Portugal displayed their attacking prowess with a 6-0 away win against Luxembourg, and a 7-0 home win against Liechtenstein across matchdays 1 and 2, signaling their intent to dominate Group J.
- Strong Starts: France, Belgium, and Switzerland all continued their winning ways, setting a strong pace in their respective groups.
Matchday 2 Results Overview:
Sunday 26 March 2023
Group C: England 2-0 Ukraine, Malta 0-2 Italy
Group H: Kazakhstan 3-2 Denmark, Slovenia 2-0 San Marino, Northern Ireland 0-1 Finland
Group J: Liechtenstein 0-7 Iceland, Luxembourg 0-6 Portugal, Slovakia 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Monday 27 March 2023
Group B: Netherlands 3-0 Gibraltar, Republic of Ireland 0-1 France
Group E: Moldova 0-0 Czechia, Poland 1-0 Albania
Group F: Austria 2-1 Estonia, Sweden 5-0 Azerbaijan
Group G: Hungary 3-0 Bulgaria, Montenegro 0-2 Serbia
Tuesday 28 March 2023
Group A: Georgia 1-1 Norway, Scotland 2-0 Spain
Group D: Türkiye 0-2 Croatia, Wales 1-0 Latvia
Group I: Kosovo 1-1 Andorra, Romania 2-1 Belarus, Switzerland 3-0 Israel
Matchday 3 & 4: June 16-20, 2023 – Mid-Campaign Battles
The June international break hosted Matchdays 3 and 4 of euro 2024 qualifying, marking the midway point for many groups. These matches were crucial for teams looking to solidify their qualification hopes or reignite their campaigns.
Key Highlights from Matchdays 3 & 4:
- England’s Dominance Continues: England maintained a perfect record with convincing wins against Malta (4-0) and North Macedonia (7-0), securing a strong lead in Group C.
- Scotland’s Momentum: Scotland continued their impressive run, defeating Norway (2-1) and Georgia (2-0), keeping pace with Spain in Group A.
- France Stays Perfect: France also maintained their 100% record, securing victories against Gibraltar (3-0) and Greece (1-0) in Group B.
- Ukraine’s Recovery: After an initial loss to England, Ukraine bounced back with wins against North Macedonia (3-2) and Malta (1-0), keeping their qualification hopes alive.
- Austria and Belgium Battle: Group F saw Austria and Belgium emerge as strong contenders, with Belgium securing a 1-1 draw against Austria in a top-of-the-table clash in Matchday 3.
Matchday 3 Results Overview:
Friday 16 June 2023
Group B: Gibraltar 0-3 France, Greece 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Group C: Malta 0-4 England, North Macedonia 2-3 Ukraine
Group D: Latvia 2-3 Türkiye, Wales 2-4 Armenia
Group H: Denmark 1-0 Northern Ireland, Finland 2-0 Slovenia, San Marino 0-3 Kazakhstan
Group I: Andorra 1-2 Switzerland, Belarus 1-2 Israel, Kosovo 0-0 Romania
Saturday 17 June 2023
Group A: Norway 1-2 Scotland, Cyprus 1-2 Georgia
Group E: Albania 2-0 Moldova, Faroe Islands 0-3 Czechia
Group F: Azerbaijan 1-1 Estonia, Belgium 1-1 Austria
Group G: Lithuania 1-1 Bulgaria, Montenegro 0-0 Hungary
Group J: Luxembourg 2-0 Liechtenstein, Iceland 1-2 Slovakia, Portugal 3-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Matchday 4 Results Overview:
Monday 19 June 2023
Group B: France 1-0 Greece, Republic of Ireland 3-0 Gibraltar
Group C: Ukraine 1-0 Malta, England 7-0 North Macedonia
Group D: Armenia 2-1 Latvia, Türkiye 2-0 Wales
Group H: Finland 6-0 San Marino, Northern Ireland 0-1 Kazakhstan, Slovenia 1-1 Denmark
Group I: Belarus 2-1 Kosovo, Israel 2-1 Andorra, Switzerland 2-2 Romania
Tuesday 20 June 2023
Group A: Norway 3-1 Cyprus, Scotland 2-0 Georgia
Group E: Faroe Islands 1-3 Albania, Moldova 3-2 Poland
Group F: Austria 2-0 Sweden, Estonia 0-3 Belgium
Group G: Bulgaria 1-1 Serbia, Hungary 2-0 Lithuania
Group J: Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-2 Luxembourg, Iceland 0-1 Portugal, Liechtenstein 0-1 Slovakia
Matchday 5 & 6: September 7-12, 2023 – Race to Qualification Heats Up
As euro 2024 qualifying entered the second half, Matchdays 5 and 6 in September were pivotal. Teams began to separate themselves at the top, and the pressure mounted for those chasing qualification spots.
Key Highlights from Matchdays 5 & 6:
- Spain’s Resurgence: After a loss to Scotland, Spain rebounded emphatically, including a 7-1 victory against Georgia and a 6-0 win over Cyprus, signaling their return to form in Group A.
- Portugal’s Perfect Run: Portugal continued their dominant march in Group J, securing further wins and maintaining a perfect record.
- Belgium and France Clinch Qualification: Belgium and France became the first teams to officially qualify for EURO 2024 during these matchdays, showcasing their consistent performances throughout the campaign.
- Albania’s Surprise Challenge: Albania emerged as a strong contender in Group E, challenging Poland and Czechia for qualification spots.
- Close Contests in Group C: Group C remained tightly contested, with Italy and Ukraine vying for the second qualification spot behind England, who drew with Ukraine in Matchday 5.
Matchday 5 Results Overview:
Thursday 7 September 2023
Group B: France 2-0 Republic of Ireland, Netherlands 3-0 Greece
Group E: Czechia 1-1 Albania, Poland 2-0 Faroe Islands
Group G: Lithuania 2-2 Montenegro, Serbia 1-2 Hungary
Group H: Kazakhstan 0-1 Finland, Denmark 4-0 San Marino, Slovenia 4-2 Northern Ireland
Friday 8 September 2023
Group A: Georgia 1-7 Spain, Cyprus 0-3 Scotland
Group D: Croatia 5-0 Latvia, Türkiye 1-1 Armenia
Group J: Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 Liechtenstein, Luxembourg 3-1 Iceland, Slovakia 0-1 Portugal
Saturday 9 September 2023
Group C: Ukraine 1-1 England, North Macedonia 1-1 Italy
Group F: Azerbaijan 0-1 Belgium, Estonia 0-5 Sweden
Group I: Andorra 0-0 Belarus, Kosovo 2-2 Switzerland, Romania 1-1 Israel
Matchday 6 Results Overview:
Sunday 10 September 2023
Group B: Greece 5-0 Gibraltar, Republic of Ireland 1-2 Netherlands
Group E: Faroe Islands 0-1 Moldova, Albania 2-0 Poland
Group G: Montenegro 2-1 Bulgaria, Lithuania 1-3 Serbia
Group H: Kazakhstan 1-0 Northern Ireland, Finland 0-1 Denmark, San Marino 0-4 Slovenia
Monday 11 September 2023
Group D: Armenia 0-1 Croatia, Latvia 0-2 Wales
Group J: Iceland 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal 9-0 Luxembourg, Slovakia 3-0 Liechtenstein
Tuesday 12 September 2023
Group A: Norway 2-1 Georgia, Spain 6-0 Cyprus
Group C: Italy 2-1 Ukraine, Malta 0-2 North Macedonia
Group F: Belgium 5-0 Estonia, Sweden 1-3 Austria
Group I: Israel 1-0 Belarus, Romania 2-0 Kosovo, Switzerland 3-0 Andorra
Matchday 7 & 8: October 12-17, 2023 – Qualification Picture Becomes Clearer
October’s Matchdays 7 and 8 in euro 2024 qualifying were critical for solidifying qualification and determining group winners. Several more teams booked their tickets to Germany during this period.
Key Highlights from Matchdays 7 & 8:
- England Qualifies: England secured their EURO 2024 spot with a 3-1 victory over Italy at Wembley, topping Group C.
- Türkiye Joins the Qualified Ranks: Türkiye also confirmed their qualification from Group D, marking a successful campaign.
- Scotland Secures Qualification: Scotland’s impressive campaign culminated in qualification from Group A, a testament to their consistent performances.
- Portugal Continues Perfect Streak and Qualifies: Portugal maintained their 100% record and qualified from Group J, showcasing their dominance.
- Austria Qualifies: Austria secured their place at EURO 2024 from Group F, confirming their strong qualifying performance.
- Netherlands vs France Decider: France defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in a key Group B clash, further cementing their top spot.
Matchday 7 Results Overview:
Thursday 12 October 2023
Group A: Cyprus 0-4 Norway, Spain 2-0 Scotland
Group D: Croatia 0-1 Türkiye, Latvia 2-0 Armenia
Group E: Albania 3-0 Czechia, Faroe Islands 0-2 Poland
Group I*: Andorra 0-3 Kosovo, Belarus 0-0 Romania
Friday 13 October 2023
Group B: Netherlands 1-2 France, Republic of Ireland 0-2 Greece
Group F: Austria 2-3 Belgium, Estonia 0-2 Azerbaijan
Group J: Iceland 1-1 Luxembourg, Liechtenstein 0-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal 3-2 Slovakia
Saturday 14 October 2023
Group C: Ukraine 2-0 North Macedonia, Italy 4-0 Malta
Group G: Bulgaria 0-2 Lithuania, Hungary 2-1 Serbia
Group H: Northern Ireland 3-0 San Marino, Slovenia 3-0 Finland, Denmark 3-1 Kazakhstan
Wednesday 15 November 2023
Group I: Israel 1-1 Switzerland
Matchday 8 Results Overview:
Sunday 15 October 2023
Group A: Georgia 4-0 Cyprus, Norway 0-1 Spain
Group D: Türkiye 4-0 Latvia, Wales 2-1 Croatia
Group E: Czechia 1-0 Faroe Islands, Poland 1-1 Moldova
Group I*: Switzerland 3-3 Belarus, Romania 4-0 Andorra
Monday 16 October 2023
Group B: Gibraltar 0-4 Republic of Ireland, Greece 0-1 Netherlands
Group F: Azerbaijan 0-1 Austria, Belgium 1-1 Sweden*
Group J: Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-5 Portugal, Iceland 4-0 Liechtenstein, Luxembourg 0-1 Slovakia
Tuesday 17 October 2023
Group C: England 3-1 Italy, Malta 1-3 Ukraine
Group G: Lithuania 2-2 Hungary, Serbia 3-1 Montenegro
Group H: Finland 1-2 Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland 0-1 Slovenia, San Marino 1-2 Denmark
Sunday 12 November 2023
Group I: Kosovo 1-0 Israel
Matchday 9 & 10: November 16-21, 2023 – Final Qualification Spots Decided
The final two matchdays of euro 2024 qualifying in November determined the last direct qualification spots and finalized the seedings for the play-offs. The drama went down to the wire in several groups.
Key Highlights from Matchdays 9 & 10:
- Denmark and Switzerland Qualify: Denmark secured their qualification from Group H, while Switzerland joined them from Group I after a hard-fought campaign.
- Romania and Czechia Secure Spots: Romania and Czechia booked their EURO 2024 tickets from Group I and E respectively, adding to the list of qualified nations.
- Slovenia Qualifies: Slovenia secured their qualification from Group H, marking a successful campaign for them.
- Italy Scrapes Through: Italy secured the final automatic qualification spot in Group C after a 0-0 draw against Ukraine, edging out Ukraine on head-to-head record.
- Hungary and Slovakia Complete Direct Qualifiers: Hungary and Slovakia rounded out the direct qualifiers, securing their places from Group G and J respectively.
- France’s Dominance: France concluded their euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a record-breaking 14-0 victory over Gibraltar, highlighting their strength and depth.
Matchday 9 Results Overview:
Thursday 16 November 2023
Group A: Georgia 2-2 Scotland, Cyprus 1-3 Spain
Group F: Azerbaijan 3-0 Sweden, Estonia 0-2 Austria
Group G: Bulgaria 2-2 Hungary, Montenegro 2-0 Lithuania
Group J: Liechtenstein 0-2 Portugal, Luxembourg 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia 4-2 Iceland
Friday 17 November 2023
Group C: England 2-0 Malta, Italy 5-2 North Macedonia
Group E: Moldova 1-1 Albania, Poland 1-1 Czechia
Group H: Kazakhstan 3-1 San Marino, Finland 4-0 Northern Ireland, Denmark 2-1 Slovenia
Saturday 18 November 2023
Group B: France 14-0 Gibraltar, Netherlands 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Group D: Armenia 1-1 Wales, Latvia 0-2 Croatia
Group I: Belarus 1-0 Andorra, Israel 1-2 Romania, Switzerland 1-1 Kosovo
Matchday 10 Results Overview:
Sunday 19 November 2023
Group A: Scotland 3-3 Norway, Spain 3-1 Georgia
Group F: Belgium 5-0 Azerbaijan, Sweden 2-0 Estonia
Group G: Hungary 3-1 Montenegro, Serbia 2-2 Bulgaria
Group J: Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-2 Slovakia, Liechtenstein 0-1 Luxembourg, Portugal 2-0 Iceland
Monday 20 November 2023
Group C: North Macedonia 1-1 England, Ukraine 0-0 Italy
Group E: Albania 0-0 Faroe Islands, Czechia 3-0 Moldova
Group H: Northern Ireland 2-0 Denmark, San Marino 1-2 Finland, Slovenia 2-1 Kazakhstan
Tuesday 21 November 2023
Group B: Gibraltar 0-6 Netherlands, Greece 2-2 France
Group D: Croatia 1-0 Armenia, Wales 1-1 Türkiye
Group I: Andorra 0-2 Israel, Kosovo 0-1 Belarus, Romania 1-0 Switzerland
Qualified Teams and Path to EURO 2024
Through the euro 2024 qualifying groups, the following 20 teams have secured their place at the final tournament in Germany:
- Germany (Hosts)
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czechia
- Denmark
- England
- France
- Hungary
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Romania
- Scotland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
- Croatia
The final three spots will be decided through the play-offs in March 2024, adding another layer of excitement to the euro 2024 qualifying saga. These play-offs will feature teams who performed well in the UEFA Nations League but did not qualify directly through the group stage.
Key Dates for EURO 2024
With the euro 2024 qualifying process largely complete, football fans can now look forward to the main event:
- EURO 2024 Finals Opener: June 14, 2024
- EURO 2024 Final: July 14, 2024
The euro 2024 qualifying journey has been a captivating prelude to what promises to be a thrilling European Championship. From dominant performances to unexpected twists, the qualifiers have set the stage for an unforgettable tournament in Germany. Football enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the final play-off outcomes and the kick-off of EURO 2024.
