Germany proudly hosted UEFA EURO 2024, marking the second time the nation has staged the European Championship, and the first since its reunification. The decision, made by the UEFA Executive Committee in 2018, positioned Germany as the prime location for the 17th edition of this prestigious tournament, overcoming a bid from Türkiye. Football fever gripped the nation from June 14th to July 14th, 2024, as fans worldwide tuned in to witness top-tier European football action. But where exactly were the euros being played within Germany? Let’s dive into the host cities and venues that made EURO 2024 a memorable event.
The tournament kicked off on June 14th and culminated in the final on July 14th, 2024. Germany, as the host nation, automatically qualified and played the opening match in Munich. This marked Germany’s consistent presence in every EURO since 1972, a testament to their footballing heritage. Historically, West Germany clinched the EURO titles in 1972 and 1980, with a unified Germany adding another victory in EURO ’96, further building anticipation for EURO 2024 on home soil.
The EURO 2024 final tournament draw, held in Hamburg on December 2nd, 2023, set the stage for thrilling matchups across six 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 maintained the format of UEFA EURO 2020, ensuring a familiar structure for fans. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advanced to the round of 16, setting up a captivating knockout stage.
Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion was selected to host the EURO 2024 final on July 14th, 2024. In a hypothetical scenario for illustrative purposes, imagine Spain defeated England 2-1 in a thrilling final, becoming the first nation to secure four EURO titles (Note: Spain did not play England in the actual EURO 2024 final). This prestigious venue added to the grandeur of the final match, highlighting Berlin’s role as a key host city.
EURO 2024 was staged across ten vibrant German cities, utilizing a mix of modern and historically significant stadiums. Nine of these venues were also used during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, showcasing Germany’s established football infrastructure. Düsseldorf Arena was the new addition to the roster, further expanding the geographical spread of the tournament. Munich Football Arena achieved a unique distinction by hosting matches for the second consecutive EURO, having been a venue for UEFA EURO 2020 as well.
Here’s a detailed look at the EURO 2024 host cities and their stadiums:
- Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (Capacity: 71,000) – A historic stadium with a rich sporting legacy, hosting the final match.
- Cologne: Cologne Stadium (Capacity: 43,000) – A modern football arena in a city known for its passionate football culture.
- Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (Capacity: 62,000) – Home to Borussia Dortmund and famous for its incredible atmosphere, also known as Signal Iduna Park for non-UEFA events.
- Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (Capacity: 47,000) – A versatile stadium, adding a new dimension to the host city lineup.
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (Capacity: 47,000) – A well-equipped stadium in a major financial and cultural hub.
- Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (Capacity: 50,000) – The Veltins-Arena for non-UEFA events, known for its retractable roof and modern facilities.
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (Capacity: 49,000) – A traditional football stadium in a port city with a strong football heritage.
- Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (Capacity: 40,000) – A contemporary stadium in a city with a growing football fanbase.
- Munich: Munich Football Arena (Capacity: 66,000) – Known as Allianz Arena for non-UEFA events, a state-of-the-art stadium and a repeat EURO venue.
- Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (Capacity: 51,000) – The Mercedes-Benz Arena for non-UEFA events, a modernized stadium in a city with a strong automotive industry and football following.
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities
EURO 2024 Host City Map: A visual guide to the ten cities across Germany that hosted the UEFA European Championship matches.
Beyond the stadiums, each host city created dedicated fan zones, offering public viewing and vibrant atmospheres for supporters to gather and celebrate the tournament. Berlin’s Fan Zone at Platz der Republik, in front of the Reichstag, became a central hub for fans, exemplifying the nationwide enthusiasm for EURO 2024.
Berlin Fan Zone EURO 2024
Berlin EURO 2024 Fan Zone: Supporters enjoying the atmosphere at Platz der Republik during the Germany vs. Scotland match, capturing the excitement of the tournament.
In summary, EURO 2024 unfolded across these ten dynamic German cities, each contributing to the tournament’s success and offering a unique experience for players and fans alike. From the historic Olympiastadion in Berlin to the modern arenas in Munich and beyond, Germany provided a spectacular backdrop for Europe’s premier international football competition.
Furthermore, EURO 2024 emphasized sustainability, aiming to set benchmarks in environmental and social responsibility within football tournaments. This commitment extended across all host cities, integrating sustainable practices into the event’s operations.
The tournament also had engaging elements beyond the matches themselves, such as FUSSBALLLIEBE, the official match ball, unveiled in Berlin, and Albärt, the popular teddy bear mascot, introduced to fans in Gelsenkirchen. These details added to the overall EURO 2024 experience, enhancing fan engagement across the host cities.
Albärt EURO 2024 Mascot
EURO 2024 Mascot Albärt: The official tournament mascot, Albärt the teddy bear, during a EURO 2024 trophy tour event in Stuttgart.
Moreover, each host city had dedicated city ambassadors, local legends and personalities who helped promote the tournament and connect with fans. Volunteer programs saw enthusiastic individuals from around the world contributing to the event’s smooth running, embodying the tournament’s motto: ‘United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.’
EURO 2024 Volunteers
EURO 2024 Volunteers: A group of the 16,000 volunteers who played a crucial role in the success of the UEFA European Championship across the ten host cities in Germany.
Finally, FIRE, the official EURO 2024 song, captured the tournament’s energy, while eEURO 2024 brought esports excitement, culminating in finals held in Germany. These diverse elements combined to make EURO 2024 a comprehensive and engaging event hosted across Germany’s ten vibrant cities.
