The UEFA EURO 2024 culminated in a thrilling final held in Berlin, where football giants Spain and England battled for the coveted title. This edition of the European Championship, hosted by Germany, delivered unforgettable moments, and the final match was a fitting conclusion to a month-long festival of football. Let’s delve into the details of EURO 2024 and relive the journey to the final showdown.
Germany was proudly selected to host EURO 2024, marking the second time the nation has staged the tournament, with West Germany previously hosting in 1988. This event further cemented Germany’s status as a premier host for major footballing events, having also successfully hosted the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The tournament spanned from June 14th to July 14th, 2024, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. The group stage action wrapped up on June 26th, paving the way for the knockout rounds which commenced on June 29th. As hosts, Germany automatically qualified and played the opening match in Munich, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament.
The road to the final saw many top European nations compete fiercely. The final tournament draw in Hamburg determined the composition of six groups, each brimming with talent and ambition. Group A featured host nation Germany, alongside Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland. Group B was particularly competitive, including Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Albania. England found themselves in Group C with Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia. Group D consisted of Poland, Netherlands, Austria, and France, while Group E included Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine. Finally, Group F comprised Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, and Czechia. Each group offered its own set of challenges and dramatic encounters as teams vied for a place in the knockout stages and the chance to progress towards the final.
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities
Alt text: EURO 2024 Host Cities Map: Locations across Germany for the European Championship Final Tournament
The tournament format mirrored the successful UEFA EURO 2020. The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, advanced to the round of 16. This structure ensured a high level of competition and excitement throughout the tournament, building anticipation for the final stages.
Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion was chosen as the venue for the EURO 2024 final on Sunday, July 14th, 2024. This historic stadium provided a fitting backdrop for the clash between Spain and England. In a captivating match, Spain emerged victorious, defeating England 2-1 to secure their fourth EURO title. This win etched Spain’s name in history as the first team to achieve four European Championship victories, further solidifying their legacy in international football.
EURO 2024 was hosted across ten vibrant German cities, each offering world-class stadiums and fan experiences. These host cities were Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, and Stuttgart. Notably, nine of these stadiums were also utilized during the 2006 World Cup, showcasing Germany’s well-established football infrastructure. Munich Football Arena held the distinction of hosting EURO matches for the second consecutive tournament, having been a venue for UEFA EURO 2020 as well.
Each host city was prepared to welcome fans with dedicated fan zones, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the tournament. These fan zones provided public viewing areas and entertainment, enhancing the overall EURO 2024 experience for supporters traveling from across the globe. Berlin’s Fan Zone, located at Platz der Republik, in front of the Reichstag, became a central hub for fans celebrating the spirit of the tournament, especially during the final match week.
Berlin
Alt text: EURO 2024 Berlin Fan Zone: Football supporters enjoying the atmosphere at Platz der Republik during the tournament.
The official match ball of EURO 2024, FUSSBALLLIEBE, meaning “love of football” in German, was unveiled prior to the tournament. This innovative ball, featuring adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a EURO, was central to the action on the pitch, including the thrilling final match between Spain and England.
Albärt, the official EURO 2024 mascot, a teddy bear, added a touch of fun and charm to the event. Chosen by UEFA.com users and schoolchildren, Albärt became a recognizable symbol of the tournament, engaging with fans and promoting the spirit of EURO 2024 across the host cities, including at the final in Berlin.
Albärt, the official UEFA EURO 2024 mascot
Alt text: EURO 2024 Mascot Albärt: The official teddy bear mascot pictured during the EURO 2024 trophy tour event.
EURO 2024 was also supported by a dedicated volunteer program, with 16,000 volunteers from 124 nations contributing to the smooth running of the tournament. These volunteers played a vital role in welcoming guests and embodying the tournament’s motto: ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’ Their efforts were evident across all host cities, including Berlin during the final, enhancing the experience for everyone involved.
There were 16,000 volunteers at EURO 2024
Alt text: EURO 2024 Volunteers: Group photograph of volunteers at the European Championship, highlighting their contribution to the event’s success.
In conclusion, EURO 2024 in Germany was a resounding success, culminating in a spectacular final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Spain’s victory marked a historic moment, crowning them as four-time European champions. The tournament showcased top-level football, vibrant host cities, and passionate fans, leaving a lasting legacy for European football.
