The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament is electrifying football fans across the globe, delivering a spectacle of thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and unforgettable goals. As the group stage progresses towards its climax on June 26th, the stakes are higher than ever. With 24 nations competing for the coveted European Championship title, the journey through the group stage is a crucial battle for survival. Eight teams will face elimination, while the remaining sixteen will advance to the knockout rounds, chasing their Euro dreams.
The qualification format for the Euro 2024 knockout stage is straightforward yet creates intense competition. The top two teams from each of the six groups automatically secure their places in the round of 16. Adding another layer of intrigue, the four best third-placed teams from across all groups will also earn a coveted spot in the knockout phase. This system ensures that even teams who don’t finish in the top two still have a chance to progress, leading to nail-biting finishes in multiple groups.
When teams are tied on points, the Euro 2024 regulations prioritize head-to-head results as the primary tiebreaker, differing from the overall goal difference rule often seen in other tournaments like the World Cup group stage. If the deadlock persists after considering head-to-head points, the overall goal difference across all group matches comes into play. This intricate system adds strategic depth to each match, as every goal can prove vital in determining the final Euro Cup Standing.
Looking ahead, the round of 16 matches are scheduled from June 29th to July 2nd, promising a weekend and midweek of high-octane football. The quarter-finals will follow on July 5th and 6th, narrowing the field to the final four. The semi-finals, set for July 9th and 10th, will decide the two finalists who will compete for glory in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday, July 14th.
Let’s delve into a group-by-group analysis to assess the current Euro 2024 standings, examine the key results so far, and project potential knockout stage matchups as the tournament unfolds. We will provide updated standings and insights as Euro 2024 progresses.
Euro 2024 Group A Standings
Group A has already witnessed host nation Germany stamp their authority on the tournament. Germany have confidently secured their place in the knockout stage after dominant victories. Their opening 5-1 triumph over Scotland in Munich set the tone, followed by a convincing 2-0 win against Hungary in Stuttgart. These results not only demonstrate Germany’s strong form but also their intent to make a deep run in their home tournament.
Switzerland currently occupies second place in Group A, positioning themselves strongly for knockout qualification. Their 3-1 victory over Hungary on June 15th and a subsequent 1-1 draw with Scotland on June 19th have earned them a solid four points. Switzerland’s organized defense and tactical flexibility make them a team to watch as the tournament progresses.
The dynamics of Group A mean that the winner will face the runner-up of Group C in a round of 16 clash in Dortmund on June 29th. Meanwhile, the second-placed team from Group A will encounter the runner-up from Group B in Berlin on the same day, promising an action-packed start to the knockout phase.
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (Q) | 2 | 6 |
| Switzerland | 2 | 4 |
| Scotland | 2 | 1 |
| Hungary | 2 | 0 |
Euro 2024 Group B Standings
Group B, often labeled the ‘group of death’, has lived up to its billing with high-stakes encounters and dramatic results. Spain have emerged as the group leaders, securing top spot and progression to the knockout stage with a decisive 1-0 victory over Italy. This crucial win showcased Spain’s tactical prowess and solidified their status as one of the tournament favorites.
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Italy now faces a critical final group game against Croatia. A draw would be sufficient for Italy to advance, while a defeat could see Croatia leapfrog them in the Euro cup standing on points. The Azzurri will need to regroup and display their renowned defensive solidity to secure their knockout stage berth.
Albania also remains in contention, adding further complexity to Group B. If Albania defeats Spain in their final match, they would also reach four points. Should both Albania and Croatia finish on four points and Italy is eliminated, the tiebreaker would come down to overall goal difference, given their 2-2 draw earlier in the tournament. This scenario highlights the tight margins and unpredictable nature of Group B.
Group B witnessed a historic moment when Albania’s Nedim Bajrami scored the fastest goal in European Championship history, just 23 seconds into their match against Italy on June 15th. Despite this early shock, Italy demonstrated resilience, securing a 2-1 victory with first-half goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella.
Earlier, Spain delivered a commanding performance against 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, winning 3-0. Goals from Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal underlined Spain’s attacking threat. Morata’s goal was particularly significant as it marked his seventh Euro goal, placing him among the tournament’s all-time top scorers, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Michel Platini.
All-time top scorers at the Euros
| Player | Country | Goals | Tournaments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 14 | 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024 |
| Michel Platini | France | 9 | 1984 |
| Alan Shearer | England | 7 | 1992, 1996, 2000 |
| Alvaro Morata | Spain | 7 | 2016, 2020, 2024 |
| Antoine Griezmann | France | 7 | 2016, 2020, 2024 |
Croatia nearly snatched a victory against Albania in their second match on June 19th, leading 2-1 thanks to an Andrej Kramaric goal and a Klaus Gjasula own goal. However, in a dramatic twist, Gjasula redeemed himself by scoring at the other end in the fifth minute of added time, securing a 2-2 draw for Albania.
Looking ahead in the knockout stage, the winner of Group B will play a third-placed team on June 30th in Cologne. The runner-up will face the second-placed team from Group A in Berlin on June 29th, in the opening match of the round of 16.
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2 | 6 |
| Italy | 2 | 3 |
| Albania | 2 | 1 |
| Croatia | 2 | 1 |
Euro 2024 Group C Standings
England’s 1-1 draw against Denmark has placed them in a favorable position in Group C, guaranteeing them at least a third-place finish with four points from two games. While England secured a spot in the next round, questions linger about their performance levels despite topping the group currently.
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Denmark and Slovenia are level on points in second place, both with identical records and a draw in their head-to-head match. This parity sets up an intriguing final round of group matches to determine who will secure the automatic qualification spots.
Serbia earned their first point with a late equalizer against Slovenia on June 20th, keeping their hopes of qualification alive, albeit as a likely third-placed team contender.
England initially topped the group with a narrow 1-0 victory against Serbia on June 16th. Manager Gareth Southgate and his squad know that a draw against Slovenia in their final group game on June 25th will definitively secure their place in the round of 16. Concurrently, Denmark will face Serbia in another crucial match that will significantly impact the Euro standings in Group C.
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The winner of Group C is slated to play a third-placed team in Gelsenkirchen on June 30th. The runner-up will travel to Dortmund on June 29th to face the winner of Group A, which, as things stand, is Germany, setting up a potentially mouthwatering clash.
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| England | 2 | 4 |
| Denmark | 2 | 2 |
| Slovenia | 2 | 2 |
| Serbia | 2 | 1 |
Euro 2024 Group D Standings
Group D has been dominated by the storyline surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s injury. France’s captain suffered a broken nose in their opening 1-0 win against Austria on June 18th, following a collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso. Despite the injury, Mbappe’s influence was evident in that match, as his run led to Maximilian Wober’s own goal, securing victory for France.
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The Netherlands also started strong in Group D, defeating Poland 2-1 on June 16th, thanks to a late goal from substitute Wout Weghorst. His decisive strike just minutes after entering the game underscored the depth and impact of the Dutch squad.
Poland’s subsequent 3-1 defeat to Austria on June 21st, followed by a 0-0 draw between Netherlands and France, resulted in Poland becoming the first team to be eliminated from Euro 2024. This early exit is a disappointing end to their campaign.
The winner of Group D will play their round of 16 match on July 2nd in Leipzig against the runner-up from Group F. The Group D runner-up will face the second-placed team from Group E on July 1st in Dusseldorf, setting the stage for crucial knockout encounters.
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 2 | 4 |
| France | 2 | 4 |
| Austria | 2 | 3 |
| Poland (eliminated) | 2 | 0 |
Euro 2024 Group E Standings
Group E delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far when Slovakia stunned Belgium with a 1-0 victory on June 17th. Considered the biggest upset in European Championship history based on FIFA rankings, Slovakia’s resilient performance highlighted the unpredictable nature of tournament football. Earlier on the same day, Romania impressed with a dominant 3-0 win over Ukraine, featuring a spectacular long-range goal from Nicolae Stanciu.
Ukraine rebounded strongly after their initial loss, securing a vital 2-1 victory against Slovakia on June 21st. This win propelled them up the Euro standings, lifting them from the bottom of the table to second place and reinvigorating their qualification hopes.
Belgium, still reeling from their opening defeat, will face Romania on June 22nd in a crucial match. Belgium’s hopes hinge on their star striker Romelu Lukaku finding his scoring form, as his goals will be vital for their campaign recovery.
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The winner of Group E will play a third-placed team in Munich on July 2nd. The runner-up will face the runner-up from Group D on July 1st in Dusseldorf, setting up potentially intriguing knockout stage matchups.
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Romania | 1 | 3 |
| Ukraine | 2 | 3 |
| Slovakia | 2 | 3 |
| Belgium | 1 | 0 |
Euro 2024 Group F Standings
Group F has already produced what many consider the most captivating match of Euro 2024 so far: Turkey’s 3-1 victory over Georgia on June 18th. The game featured stunning long-range goals from Turkey’s Mert Muldur and Arda Guler, alongside a goal from Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze. The match culminated in a dramatic moment when, with Georgia pushing for an equalizer and their goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili upfield, Turkey broke away, and Kerem Akturkoglu scored into an empty net, sealing the 3-1 win.
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On the same night, Portugal secured a last-gasp victory against the Czech Republic. This match saw history made as Portugal’s Pepe, at 41 years old, became the oldest player ever to feature in the European Championship. His teammate Cristiano Ronaldo also set a record, becoming the first player to participate in six editions of the tournament.
Portugal will face Turkey in their next Group F match on June 22nd. Cristiano Ronaldo will be eager to score, aiming to extend his record of scoring in six European Championships after failing to find the net against the Czech Republic. Earlier that day, Georgia and the Czech Republic will play a crucial match, knowing that defeat would leave either team on the brink of elimination from Euro 2024.
The winner of Group F will play a third-placed team in Frankfurt on July 1st. The runner-up will face the winner of Group D on July 2nd in Leipzig, promising high-stakes encounters in the knockout phase.
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 1 | 3 |
| Portugal | 1 | 3 |
| Czech Republic | 1 | 0 |
| Georgia | 1 | 0 |
Here is the bracket for the knockout stage. EurodripUSA.net will provide updates as the tournament progresses, ensuring you stay informed on the latest Euro cup standing and match results.
(Top photo: Denmark score against England; Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images)
