The UEFA European Championship, often simply called the Euros, is one of the most prestigious international football tournaments in the world. Fans across the globe eagerly anticipate each edition, not just for the thrilling football action but also to experience the unique atmosphere of the host nation. If you’re wondering “Where Is The Euro Cup Being Played?”, look no further than Germany, the proud host of EURO 2024.
Germany was selected to host the 17th edition of the tournament, triumphing over Turkey in the bidding process at a UEFA Executive Committee meeting held in Nyon on September 27, 2018. This marked a significant moment for German football, as while West Germany hosted EURO 1988, this was the first time unified Germany staged the European Championship. The nation’s strong footballing heritage and proven track record in hosting major events, like the 2006 FIFA World Cup, made it an ideal choice.
When Did EURO 2024 Take Place?
EURO 2024 was a month-long festival of football, kicking off on June 14, 2024, and culminating in the final on July 14, 2024. The tournament structure saw the group stage matches played until June 26, followed swiftly by the knockout stages commencing on June 29.
As the host nation, Germany automatically qualified and was placed in Group A, taking the coveted A1 position. This meant they had the honor of playing the opening match, a memorable 5-1 victory against Scotland, at the impressive Munich Football Arena on Friday, June 14th. Germany, including its West German history, boasts a consistent presence at the Euros, participating in every tournament since 1972. They have a rich history in the competition, with West Germany winning in 1972 and 1980, and reunified Germany claiming victory at EURO ’96.
Which Nations Competed in EURO 2024?
The EURO 2024 final tournament draw, a highly anticipated event, took place in Hamburg on Saturday, December 2, 2023, setting the stage for the competition. The groups were structured as follows:
Euro Cup 2024 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
*Nations that qualified through play-offs, adding an extra layer of drama and excitement to the qualification process.
EURO 2024 Tournament Format: A Familiar Structure
For those familiar with recent Euro Cup editions, the tournament format remained consistent with UEFA EURO 2020. 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, creating a dynamic and competitive knockout stage. This format ensures that strong teams have a higher chance of progressing while also offering opportunities for underdogs to make their mark.
Where Was the Euro Cup Final Played?
The grand finale of EURO 2024, the match that determined the champion of Europe, was held at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion on Sunday, July 14, 2024. In a thrilling encounter, Spain emerged victorious, defeating England 2-1. This win marked Spain’s fourth Euro Cup title, making them the first nation to achieve this milestone, further cementing their place in European football history.
Euro Cup Host Cities: Exploring the Venues of EURO 2024
Germany selected ten host cities to stage the matches of EURO 2024, showcasing the diversity and passion for football across the nation. Impressively, nine of these venues were also utilized during the 2006 World Cup, demonstrating Germany’s well-established football infrastructure. Düsseldorf Arena was the sole new addition to this roster of world-class stadiums.
Munich Football Arena held a unique distinction, hosting Euro Cup matches for the second consecutive tournament, having been one of the eleven stadiums used across Europe for UEFA EURO 2020.
EURO 2024 Host Cities and Stadiums:
- 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 Euro Cup 2024 host cities layout
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities across Germany, showcasing the geographical spread of the tournament.
Each of these cities offered a unique cultural experience for fans traveling to Germany for the tournament, combining world-class football with German hospitality and landmarks.
Sustainability at EURO 2024: A Focus on Responsibility
Reflecting growing global awareness, EURO 2024 placed significant emphasis on sustainability. UEFA aimed to set a benchmark for social and environmental responsibility in major sporting events through targeted initiatives and investments. A comprehensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy was implemented, outlining the commitment to minimizing environmental impact and maximizing positive social contributions. Further details about this strategy can be found in the official UEFA documentation.
Fan Zones and the EURO 2024 Atmosphere
To enhance the fan experience and create a vibrant tournament atmosphere, each host city established dedicated fan zones with public viewing areas. These fan zones became hubs of activity, offering supporters a place to gather, watch matches together on large screens, and enjoy the pre-match build-up and post-match celebrations.
Enthusiastic fans in Berlin's Euro Cup 2024 fan zone
Berlin’s Fan Zone at Platz der Republik, in front of the Reichstag, filled with supporters during EURO 2024.
Berlin’s Fan Zone, located at Platz der Republik in front of the Reichstag, was a particularly popular spot, drawing massive crowds throughout the tournament. These fan zones were crucial in extending the Euro Cup experience beyond the stadiums, making it accessible to a wider audience and amplifying the overall excitement.
FUSSBALLLIEBE: The Official EURO 2024 Match Ball
The official match ball of UEFA EURO 2024 was named FUSSBALLLIEBE, a German word meaning “love of football.” Unveiled in Berlin in November 2023 by UEFA and Adidas, FUSSBALLLIEBE was more than just a ball; it incorporated adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a Euro Cup. This technology provided precise ball data to officials, enhancing VAR decisions and offering new insights into the game.
Albärt: The EURO 2024 Mascot
EURO 2024 had an endearing official mascot named Albärt. This teddy bear character was chosen through a vote involving UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe as part of the UEFA Football in Schools program. Albärt secured 32% of the vote, proving to be a popular and friendly face of the tournament. He was introduced to German fans in Gelsenkirchen in June 2023, adding a playful and family-friendly element to the event.
Albärt teddy bear mascot holding the Euro Cup trophy
Albärt, the official UEFA EURO 2024 mascot, adding a fun element to the tournament.
City Ambassadors: Local Heroes for EURO 2024
Each host city appointed city ambassadors, prominent local figures, often with a background in sports or culture, to represent their city during EURO 2024. These ambassadors played a vital role in promoting the tournament and welcoming visitors, adding a personal touch and local pride to the event.
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
The EURO 2024 Volunteer Program: The Heart of the Tournament
Volunteers are the unsung heroes of any major sporting event, and EURO 2024 was no exception. An astounding 146,000 people applied to volunteer, with 16,000 selected from 124 nations. These volunteers were stationed across the ten host cities and stadiums, greeting guests from around the world and embodying the tournament’s motto: “United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.” They were instrumental in creating a welcoming and efficient environment for everyone involved.
Group of EURO 2024 volunteers smiling
16,000 dedicated volunteers were essential to the success of EURO 2024, representing the spirit of unity.
“FIRE”: The Official EURO 2024 Song
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, EURO 2024 had an official song titled “FIRE.” This energetic track was a collaboration between Italian producers Meduza, American pop-rock band OneRepublic, and German singer-songwriter Leony. Released across streaming platforms, “FIRE” aimed to capture the passion and excitement of both football and music fans, becoming the soundtrack to EURO 2024.
eEURO 2024: Esports Integration
Reflecting the growing popularity of esports, UEFA eEURO 2024 was also part of the EURO 2024 program. The online qualifiers commenced in March 2024, culminating in a final tournament in Germany. EA SPORTS FC™ 24 served as the official platform for eEURO 2024, bridging the gap between traditional football and the virtual world.
In conclusion, EURO 2024, played across ten vibrant cities in Germany, was a resounding success. From the thrilling matches to the welcoming atmosphere and focus on sustainability, it delivered a memorable experience for players and fans alike. Germany proved to be an exceptional host for the Euro Cup, reaffirming its status as a major footballing nation.
