Germany is poised to host the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship in 2024, marking a significant event in the world of football. This tournament, taking place from June 14 to July 14, 2024, will be the first time Germany has hosted the EURO since reunification, though West Germany previously staged the event in 1988. The decision to grant Germany hosting rights was made during a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Nyon on September 27, 2018, with Türkiye being the only other contender.
Historic Significance and Preparations
Germany’s selection as the host nation is a nod to its rich football heritage. The country previously hosted the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was widely regarded as a resounding success. The upcoming tournament will see matches held in ten different venues across Germany, including nine that were used during the 2006 World Cup. Notably, the Munich Football Arena will make history by hosting matches in consecutive EURO tournaments, having also been a venue for UEFA EURO 2020.
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The UEFA EURO 2024 will follow the same format as its predecessor in 2020. The competition begins with a group stage from June 14 to June 26, followed by the knockout phase starting on June 29. The final will be held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on July 14. As the host nation, Germany is seeded in Group A and will play the tournament’s opening match against Scotland at the Munich Football Arena on June 14.
Qualified Teams and Groups
A total of 24 teams have secured their spots in the tournament, divided into 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
*Teams marked with an asterisk qualified through play-offs.
Host Venues
The ten selected venues for UEFA EURO 2024 are strategically spread across the country to offer diverse cultural experiences to fans:
- Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (capacity: 71,000)
- Cologne: Cologne Stadium (43,000)
- Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (62,000)
- Düsseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (47,000)
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (47,000)
- Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (50,000)
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (49,000)
- Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (40,000)
- Munich: Munich Football Arena (66,000)
- Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (51,000)
These venues have been chosen not only for their capacity to host large crowds but also for their modern facilities and historical significance in the football world.
Anticipation and Expectations
Germany’s hosting of UEFA EURO 2024 is highly anticipated, promising a blend of top-tier football and vibrant fan experiences. The nation’s deep-rooted football culture and state-of-the-art infrastructure set the stage for a memorable championship. Fans worldwide eagerly await to see if Germany can leverage their home advantage to secure their fourth EURO title, adding to their previous victories in 1972, 1980, and 1996.
As preparations continue, the football world looks forward to a month-long festival of football, unity, and competition, celebrating the beautiful game in the heart of Europe.
