Germany stepped into the global spotlight as the proud host of UEFA EURO 2024, marking a significant moment in the nation’s rich football history. Selected to stage the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship during a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Nyon on September 27, 2018, Germany emerged as the chosen nation over Türkiye. This event signified Germany’s first time hosting the EURO as a unified country, with West Germany previously hosting the 1988 edition. Building upon their experience of successfully hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup, EURO 2024 in Germany promised and delivered a spectacular football festival.
Why Germany was the Perfect Host for EURO 2024
The decision to award EURO 2024 to Germany was a testament to the country’s exceptional football infrastructure and fervent passion for the sport. While Türkiye presented a strong bid, Germany’s proven track record in hosting major international tournaments, coupled with its state-of-the-art stadiums and well-organized logistics, made it a compelling choice. Having previously hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2006 to widespread acclaim, Germany possessed the experience and resources to ensure a seamless and memorable EURO tournament. This marked a historic occasion as it was the first time unified Germany had the honor of staging the UEFA European Championship, further cementing its status as a footballing powerhouse in Europe and globally.
EURO 2024 Dates and Tournament Timeline in Germany
The highly anticipated UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany kicked off on June 14, 2024, and culminated in a thrilling final on July 14, 2024. Football fever gripped the nation for a full month as the tournament unfolded across ten vibrant host cities. The group stage matches, filled with drama and excitement, ran until June 26, setting the stage for the knockout rounds which commenced on June 29.
As the host nation, Germany automatically qualified and was seeded into Group A, positioned at A1. This privilege meant they played the opening match – a dominant 5-1 victory against Scotland – at the iconic Munich Football Arena on Friday, June 14. Germany (including West Germany) has been a consistent presence at every EURO since 1972, showcasing their enduring legacy in the competition. Their history includes three EURO titles: West Germany triumphed in 1972 and 1980, followed by a victory for reunified Germany at EURO ’96, underscoring their pedigree in European football.
Host Cities and Iconic Stadiums of EURO 2024 in Germany
Germany selected ten world-class venues to host EURO 2024 matches, showcasing the country’s diverse and passionate football cities. Nine of these stadiums were also utilized during the successful 2006 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating the enduring quality of Germany’s football infrastructure. The Düsseldorf Arena was the additional venue, adding another modern stadium to the roster. Notably, the Munich Football Arena had the unique distinction of hosting EURO matches for the second consecutive tournament, having been one of the eleven venues for UEFA EURO 2020.
EURO 2024 Host Cities:
- Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (Capacity: 71,000) – The historic venue for the final.
- Cologne: Cologne Stadium (Capacity: 43,000) – A vibrant stadium in a city known for its football culture.
- Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (Capacity: 62,000) – Home to Borussia Dortmund and famous for its “Yellow Wall.”
- Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (Capacity: 47,000) – A modern multi-purpose arena in the Rhineland region.
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (Capacity: 47,000) – Located in a major international city with a strong football fanbase.
- Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (Capacity: 50,000) – The home of Schalke 04, known for its retractable roof.
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (Capacity: 49,000) – A classic stadium in a northern port city with a rich football heritage.
- Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (Capacity: 40,000) – A modern stadium in a city with a rapidly growing football scene.
- Munich: Munich Football Arena (Capacity: 66,000) – Home of Bayern Munich and a state-of-the-art football venue.
- Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (Capacity: 51,000) – A modernized stadium in the automotive heartland of Germany.
Panoramic view of the ten EURO 2024 host cities across Germany, highlighting their diverse locations and football culture
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities
EURO 2024 Groups and the Journey to the Finals
The draw for the EURO 2024 final tournament, held in Hamburg on December 2, 2023, determined the composition of the six groups. The groups were as follows:
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
*Qualified via play-offs
The tournament format mirrored UEFA EURO 2020, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams. This structure ensured a competitive and exciting path to the final stages of EURO 2024 in Germany.
Berlin Olympiastadion: The Stage for the EURO 2024 Final
Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion, steeped in history and sporting significance, was chosen to host the EURO 2024 final on Sunday, July 14, 2024. In a captivating final match, Spain emerged victorious, defeating England 2-1 to claim their fourth EURO title. This win solidified Spain’s place as the first nation to achieve four European Championship triumphs, adding another glorious chapter to EURO history in Germany.
Sustainability at the Forefront of EURO 2024 Germany
Reflecting the growing global emphasis on environmental and social responsibility, UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany placed a strong emphasis on sustainability. The tournament organizers implemented a comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, aiming to set a benchmark for future sporting events. This strategy included targeted measures and investments designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize positive social contributions, demonstrating football’s commitment to a sustainable future. More details about the initiatives can be found in the full Environmental, Social and Governance strategy.
Fan Zones and the EURO 2024 Fan Experience Across Germany
To enhance the fan experience and create a vibrant tournament atmosphere, each EURO 2024 host city in Germany welcomed supporters to dedicated fan zones. These public spaces were equipped with large screens for public viewing of matches, creating communal viewing experiences for fans from all nations.
Enthusiastic football fans gathering in the Berlin Fan Zone, creating a lively atmosphere during EURO 2024 in Germany
Berlin’s Fan Zone at Platz der Republik, Berlin-Tiergarten, buzzing with supporters during EURO 2024
FUSSBALLLIEBE: The Official Match Ball of EURO 2024
The official match ball for UEFA EURO 2024, named FUSSBALLLIEBE, which translates from German to “love of football,” was a central feature of the tournament. Unveiled in Berlin in November 2023 by UEFA and adidas, FUSSBALLLIEBE incorporated adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a EURO competition. This innovative technology provided precise ball data, enhancing match analysis and adding a new dimension to the game.
Albärt: The Beloved EURO 2024 Mascot
Albärt, a charming teddy bear, was chosen as the official mascot for EURO 2024 through a vote involving UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe. Winning 32% of the vote, Albärt became a recognizable and endearing symbol of the tournament. Introduced to German fans in Gelsenkirchen in June 2023, Albärt embodied the fun and festive spirit of EURO 2024 in Germany.
Albärt, the EURO 2024 mascot, holding a football and trophy, symbolizing the spirit of the tournament in Germany
Albärt, the official UEFA EURO 2024 mascot, promoting the tournament across Germany
City Ambassadors: Local Heroes of EURO 2024 Germany
Each host city appointed city ambassadors, prominent local figures, often with football backgrounds, to represent and promote EURO 2024. These ambassadors played a vital role in engaging local communities and welcoming fans to their cities.
EURO 2024 City Ambassadors:
- 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
Volunteers: The Heart of EURO 2024 Germany
The EURO 2024 volunteer program was a resounding success, attracting over 146,000 applications from passionate football enthusiasts. From this vast pool, 16,000 volunteers from 124 nations were selected to support the tournament. These volunteers were integral to the smooth running of EURO 2024, welcoming guests, assisting with operations, and embodying the tournament’s motto: ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’
A group of EURO 2024 volunteers smiling, representing the welcoming spirit of Germany during the tournament
16,000 volunteers played a crucial role in the success of EURO 2024 across Germany
FIRE: The Official EURO 2024 Song
“FIRE,” the official song for EURO 2024, brought together Italian producers Meduza, American pop-rock band OneRepublic, and German singer-songwriter Leony. Released on all streaming platforms, the song became the soundtrack to the tournament, capturing the energy and passion of football fans across Germany and beyond.
eEURO 2024: Expanding the Tournament to the Digital Realm
UEFA eEURO 2024, using EA SPORTS FC™ 24 as the official platform, extended the EURO excitement into the esports domain. The competition began with online qualifiers in March 2024 and culminated in a final held in Germany during the summer, demonstrating the growing intersection of traditional football and esports.
Conclusion:
EURO 2024 in Germany was a resounding success, showcasing the nation’s ability to host world-class sporting events and its deep love for football. From state-of-the-art stadiums to passionate fan zones, and a commitment to sustainability, Germany provided a memorable stage for Europe’s premier football competition. The tournament not only delivered thrilling football action but also celebrated the unifying power of the sport, leaving a lasting legacy for “Euro Germany” and European football.
