The anticipation for UEFA EURO 2024 reached a fever pitch as football fans around the globe tuned in for the final tournament draw. This crucial event, setting the stage for next summer’s footballing spectacle, took place on Saturday, December 2, 2023. The draw ceremony commenced at 18:00 CET, marking a significant milestone on the road to EURO 2024.
Where Did the UEFA EURO 2024 Draw Take Place?
The prestigious Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany played host to the EURO 2024 draw. This iconic concert hall, renowned for its stunning architecture and acoustics, provided a fittingly grand backdrop for such an important event in the football calendar. Hamburg itself is one of the ten host cities for EURO 2024, and is slated to host four group stage matches along with a quarter-final clash, further cementing its role in the tournament. Choosing this vibrant city and architectural marvel underscored the significance and prestige of the UEFA European Championship.
Unveiling the EURO 2024 Group Stage Draw
The draw revealed the composition of the six groups that will battle it out in the group stage of EURO 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the groups as determined by the Uefa Euro 2024 Draw:
EURO 2024 Group Stage Draw Results:
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
Group D: Play-off winner A, Netherlands, Austria, France
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Play-off winner B
Group F: Türkiye, Play-off winner C, Portugal, Czechia
Aerial view of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg during the UEFA EURO 2024 draw ceremony
How Teams Qualified for the EURO 2024 Draw
The draw featured the nations that have successfully navigated the qualification pathways to reach the EURO 2024 finals. Germany, as the host nation, gained automatic qualification. Alongside them, twenty other teams secured their spots by finishing in the top two of their respective groups in the European Qualifiers.
The remaining three berths are still up for grabs and will be decided through the EURO play-offs in March 2024. These play-offs involve twelve teams, selected based on their performance in the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League. The play-off format consists of six semi-finals on March 21st and three finals on March 26th. The winners of these three play-off finals will complete the 24-team line-up for EURO 2024, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.
Understanding the UEFA EURO 2024 Draw Procedure
To ensure a fair and structured draw, teams were pre-assigned to four pots (Pot 1, Pot 2, Pot 3, and Pot 4). This seeding was based on their performance during the European Qualifiers group stage. Host nation Germany was placed in Pot 1 but was automatically assigned to Group A, position A1, and therefore was not part of the draw process itself. The three play-off winners were placed in Pot 4, acknowledging their undetermined status at the time of the draw.
Furthermore, six additional pots (Pots A, B, C, D, E, F) were utilized to determine each team’s specific position within their drawn group. Pots B to F each contained four balls, representing positions 1 to 4 in groups B through F. Pot A contained only three balls (positions A2, A3, and A4) as Germany already occupied position A1. This meticulous procedure ensured a balanced and equitable distribution of teams across all groups.
Relive the EURO 2024 Draw and Stay Updated
For fans who missed the live draw or wish to relive the excitement, official broadcasters provided coverage (check UEFA’s broadcaster list for details). Additionally, UEFA streamed the draw live on UEFA.com and through the official UEFA EURO 2024 app, ensuring global accessibility for all football enthusiasts.
EURO 2024 Tournament Format: What to Expect
UEFA EURO 2024 will follow the same captivating tournament format as UEFA EURO 2020. From each of the six groups, the top two teams will advance to the round of 16, joining the four best third-placed teams from across all groups.
Following the group stage, the competition intensifies with a knockout phase, featuring the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and culminating in the highly anticipated final match. This format guarantees thrilling matches and high stakes drama as teams battle for European glory.
The UEFA EURO 2024 draw has set the stage for an enthralling tournament. With the groups decided, fans can now eagerly anticipate the matchups and begin the countdown to EURO 2024 in Germany.
