Germany stepped into the spotlight as host of EURO 2024, marking the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship. The decision, made at a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in 2018, saw Germany selected over Türkiye, bringing the prestigious tournament back to German soil for the first time since reunification, although West Germany did host EURO 1988. Football fever swept the nation, echoing the memorable 2006 FIFA World Cup also held in Germany. This tournament was more than just games; it was a journey, a thrilling “Euros Road To Final” that captivated fans worldwide.
EURO 2024: Key Dates and the Tournament Timeline
The excitement kicked off on June 14, 2024, and culminated in a spectacular final on July 14. The group stage, a crucial phase in the “euros road to final”, wrapped up on June 26, setting the stage for the knockout rounds which commenced on June 29.
As hosts, Germany automatically secured a spot in Group A, positioned at A1. They ignited the tournament with a dominant 5-1 victory against Scotland at the Munich Football Arena on the opening Friday, June 14. Germany’s consistent EURO presence is noteworthy, participating in every edition since 1972 (including West Germany). Historically, West Germany clinched victory in 1972 and 1980, with a unified Germany adding another title at EURO ’96, further enriching their legacy in the “euros road to final”.
The Teams Battling on the Euros Road to Final
The final tournament draw, held in Hamburg on December 2, 2023, determined the groups, setting the stage for the initial clashes in the “euros road to final”:
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
Each group promised intense competition as teams embarked on their “euros road to final”, navigating through challenging matches to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Tournament Format: Navigating the Euros Road to Final
Mirroring the format of UEFA EURO 2020, EURO 2024 offered a clear path “road to final”. The top two teams from each of the six groups advanced to the round of 16. They were joined by the four best third-placed teams, adding an extra layer of drama and opportunity for teams to continue their journey. This format ensured that every match was critical, and the stakes were high as teams progressed through each stage towards the coveted final.
Berlin’s Olympiastadion: The Final Destination on the Euros Road to Final
The iconic Olympiastadion in Berlin was selected to host the final match on Sunday, July 14, 2024. In a thrilling showdown, Spain emerged victorious, defeating England 2-1. This win marked a historic moment as Spain became the first nation to secure four EURO titles, completing their own impressive “euros road to final”.
Host Cities: The Venues Along the Euros Road to Final
Ten vibrant cities across Germany were chosen as host venues, creating a nationwide spectacle for EURO 2024. Nine of these stadiums were also utilized during the 2006 World Cup, showcasing Germany’s established football infrastructure. Düsseldorf Arena was the additional venue, expanding the tournament’s reach.
Munich Football Arena held the distinction of hosting EURO matches for the second consecutive tournament, having been one of the 11 venues for UEFA EURO 2020.
EURO 2024 Host Cities:
- Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (Capacity: 71,000)
- Cologne: Cologne Stadium (Capacity: 43,000)
- Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (Capacity: 62,000)
- Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (Capacity: 47,000)
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (Capacity: 47,000)
- Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (Capacity: 50,000)
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (Capacity: 49,000)
- Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (Capacity: 40,000)
- Munich: Munich Football Arena (Capacity: 66,000)
- Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (Capacity: 51,000)
Aerial view of the ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities stadiums
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities stadiums from an aerial perspective.
These cities not only provided world-class venues but also contributed to the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the “euros road to final”, offering diverse cultural experiences for fans.
Sustainability Initiatives at EURO 2024
Reflecting a growing global awareness, EURO 2024 prioritized sustainability. UEFA implemented a comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, aiming to set a benchmark for future tournaments. This commitment underscored the importance of responsible event management alongside the thrilling competition of the “euros road to final”. More details about the strategy can be found here.
Fan Zones and the EURO 2024 Atmosphere
Each host city created dedicated fan zones, enhancing the EURO 2024 experience. These zones, equipped with public viewing screens, became hubs for supporters to gather, celebrate, and share the excitement of the “euros road to final”.
Fans celebrating in the Berlin Fan Zone during a EURO 2024 match
A vibrant fan zone in Berlin, Germany, filled with supporters enjoying a EURO 2024 match on a large screen.
Berlin’s Fan Zone, located at Platz der Republik in front of the Reichstag, was a prime example, capturing the enthusiastic spirit of the tournament.
FUSSBALLLIEBE: The Official Match Ball
“FUSSBALLLIEBE,” meaning “love of football” in German, was the official match ball of EURO 2024. Unveiled in Berlin in November 2023 by UEFA and Adidas, it featured Adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a EURO tournament. This technological integration added a modern dimension to the “euros road to final”, enhancing match analysis and fan engagement.
Albärt: The EURO 2024 Mascot
Albärt, a teddy bear, was chosen as the official mascot for EURO 2024 through a vote by UEFA.com users and schoolchildren. Winning 32% of the vote, Albärt became a friendly face of the tournament, promoting the spirit of EURO 2024 and engaging with fans of all ages on the “euros road to final”.
Albärt mascot holding the UEFA EURO 2024 trophy
Albärt, the official mascot of UEFA EURO 2024, playfully holding the tournament trophy.
City Ambassadors: Local Heroes of EURO 2024
Each host city appointed ambassadors, local personalities who embodied the spirit of football and their city. These ambassadors played a crucial role in promoting EURO 2024 and welcoming fans, contributing to the overall success of the “euros road to final” experience in each location. Notable ambassadors included Kevin-Prince Boateng in Berlin and Harald Schumacher in Cologne.
Volunteers: The Heart of EURO 2024
An impressive 16,000 volunteers from 124 nations were selected from over 146,000 applicants to support EURO 2024. These volunteers were essential to the smooth operation of the tournament, embodying the motto ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’ and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere throughout the “euros road to final”.
Group photograph of EURO 2024 volunteers in their uniforms
A diverse group of 16,000 EURO 2024 volunteers standing together, showcasing the international effort behind the tournament.
FIRE: The Official EURO 2024 Song
“FIRE,” a collaboration by Italian producers Meduza, American band OneRepublic, and German singer Leony, served as the official song of EURO 2024. This anthem captured the energy and passion of football, becoming the soundtrack to the “euros road to final” and enhancing the overall tournament experience for fans worldwide.
eEURO 2024: Esports Integration
UEFA eEURO 2024, played on EA SPORTS FC™ 24, ran alongside the physical tournament. Starting with online qualifiers in March 2024 and culminating in finals in Germany, eEURO 2024 highlighted the growing intersection of traditional football and esports, extending the “euros road to final” into the digital realm.
EURO 2024 in Germany was a resounding success, showcasing top-tier football, vibrant host cities, and innovative initiatives in sustainability and fan engagement. The “euros road to final” was a journey filled with memorable moments, culminating in Spain’s historic victory and leaving a lasting legacy for European football.
