The result of the group stages draw of the UEFA Euro 2024 hosted by Germany has been revealed. The 21 directly qualified teams and three joining from the playoff got to understand whom they were drawn against in the prestigious tournament set to be played next summer. This will be the 17th edition of the European Championship of the men’s competition. This is the third time Germany will be hosting the competition. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024. Italy are the defending champions having won the 2020 tournament after beating England on penalties in the final, their second title in history.
The participating nations have been divided into six groups of four with the top two sides from each group progressing to the Round of 16. The four best third-place teams will also qualify for the next stage to make up the rest. Quarterfinals, semi-finals and the final will follow which is scheduled at the Olympiastadion in Germany’s capital city Berlin on July 14, 2024. The opening match of the Euro 2024 on 14th June will be played between hosts Germany and Scotland in Munich. Overall, a total of 51 matches will be played in the tournament.
Group A
Germany
Scotland
Hungary
Switzerland
Hosts Germany escaped big hitters in their group although they will still face fair amount of challenges from the sides drawn. Hungary did gave them a run for their money in the last edition’s group stage. However, it seems Scotland will be fighting them for the top spot with quarterfinalists of the previous edition, Switzerland in the mood to cause upset.
Group B
Spain
Croatia
Italy
Albania
Group B will spice things up with competition holders Italy paired with the team they beat in the semi-finals on their way to the trophy, Spain with major achievers Croatia also in the mix. One is bound to miss out on qualification which makes it exciting while the tussle for the top spot is always there. Albania are hugely the underdog in this group and will count themselves unlucky. They are also the lowest-ranked nation in the tournament with this being their second appearance.
Group C
Slovenia
Denmark
Serbia
England
Last edition’s finalists England have got an easy group to savor with beaten semifinalists Denmark seeking revenge against the Three Lions having drawn together. Serbia could also be a side to watch out for and could be the dark horses in the group while Slovenia will produce a shock if they do not finish bottom of the pile.
Group D
Playoff Winner A (Wales/Finland/Poland/Estonia)
Netherlands
Austria
France
Netherlands and France are once again drawn with each other in the main tournament having been in the qualifying group of Euro 2024. Les Blues won both the encounter which the Dutch will take note of in this huge clash. Ralf Rangnick’s Austria could be tricky customers after brilliant qualifiers with the winner of Path A in the Euro Playoff making the remaining member of the group.
Group E
Belgium
Slovakia
Romania
Playoff Winner B (Bosnia & Herzegovina/Ukraine/Israel/ Iceland)
Undoubtedly, Belgium will be clear favourites to win Group E and probably have got the easiest draw of the lot. Slovakia, Romania and the Playoff winner of Path B will battle out for the remaining Round of 16 qualification slots in the group.
Group F
Turkey
Playoff Winner C (Georgia/ Luxembourg/ Greece/Kazakhstan)
Portugal
Czech Republic
Portugal has also got a comfortable group with the Euro 2016 winners not expecting a tough battle from Turkey and the Czech Republic for the top spot. Playoff Winner C will have a tough time in the group but will want to sprinkle a surprise this tournament has always experienced.
