Euro 2024 Group Stage Matches Who Plays Who

The UEFA European Football Championship, also known as the Euros, is one of the most prestigious international football tournaments in the world. Held every four years, it gathers the best national teams from Europe to compete for the title of European champions. The next edition will be held in 2024 and will be hosted by Germany, making it the fourth time for the country to host the tournament.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Euros is the group stage matches, where the participating teams are drawn into groups and play against each other to qualify for the knockout rounds. The draw for the group stage matches of Euro 2024 has been announced, and it has already sparked a lot of debates and discussions among football fans. In this article, we will take a closer look at the groups and teams, and analyze the potential matchups and outcomes for the group stage matches of Euro 2024.

I. Group A: France, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Qualifier 1

Group A of Euro 2024 consists of defending champions France, along with Ukraine, Czech Republic, and the winner of Qualifier 1. This is an interesting group as it features the current world champions and two teams who have had successful runs in previous Euro tournaments. Let’s take a look at each team and their chances in the group stage matches.

1. France

France is undoubtedly one of the strongest teams in international football right now. They won the Euro 2020 tournament and were runners-up in the 2016 edition. With star players like Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba, they have a formidable squad that can cause trouble for any opponent. They will be looking to defend their title and make history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back Euros since Spain in 2008 and 2012.

2. Ukraine

Ukraine has been a consistent presence in the Euros, qualifying for every edition since their independence in 1991. They had a decent run in Euro 2020, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to England. Led by veteran striker Andriy Yarmolenko, they will be looking to make an impact in Group A and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

3. Czech Republic

Czech Republic has a rich history in the Euros, winning the tournament in 1976 as Czechoslovakia and finishing runners-up in 1996 as the Czech Republic. However, they have not had much success in recent years, failing to qualify for the last two editions. They will be looking to make a comeback in Euro 2024 and prove themselves as a strong team once again.

4. Qualifier 1

The fourth team in Group A will be determined through a qualification process involving the lower-ranked teams in Europe. This team could be a surprise package, and with nothing to lose, they can be a tough opponent for the other teams in the group.

II. Group B: Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Qualifier 2

Group B of Euro 2024 features former champions Spain, along with Sweden, Switzerland, and the winner of Qualifier 2. It is a well-balanced group that promises some exciting matchups and surprises.

1. Spain

Spain has been a dominant force in the Euros, winning three titles in 1964, 2008, and 2012. However, they have not been able to replicate their success in recent years, failing to make it past the round of 16 in the last two editions. With a new generation of talented players like Ferran Torres and Pedri coming through, they will be looking to bounce back and reclaim their title in Euro 2024.

2. Sweden

Sweden is a consistent presence in the Euros, qualifying for every edition since 2000. They have had some decent runs in the tournament, reaching the semi-finals in 1992 and the quarter-finals in 2004. Led by star striker Alexander Isak, they will be looking to make their mark in Group B and qualify for the knockout rounds.

3. Switzerland

Switzerland has been a regular at the Euros, qualifying for the last four editions. They had their best performance in 2016 when they reached the round of 16. With players like Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, they have a strong squad that can cause upsets in Euro 2024.

4. Qualifier 2

The fourth team in Group B will also be determined through a qualification process involving lower-ranked teams in Europe. This team could be an underdog, but with determination and hard work, they can surprise the other teams in the group.

III. Group C: Italy, Poland, Russia, Qualifier 3

Group C of Euro 2024 features former champions Italy, along with Poland, Russia, and the winner of Qualifier 3. It is a well-rounded group with a good mix of experienced and upcoming teams.

1. Italy

Italy is one of the most successful teams in the Euros, winning the tournament in 1968 and 2020. They have been a consistent presence in recent years, reaching the final in 2012 and the quarter-finals in 2016. With players like Jorginho and Federico Chiesa, they have a strong and talented squad that can go all the way in Euro 2024.

2. Poland

Poland has been a regular at the Euros, qualifying for every edition since 2008. Led by star striker Robert Lewandowski, they have had some decent runs in the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals in 2016. They will be looking to make an impact in Group C and qualify for the knockout rounds once again.

3. Russia

Russia has been a consistent performer in recent Euros, reaching the semi-finals in 2008 and the quarter-finals in 2012. They have a strong and experienced squad that can cause trouble for their opponents in Euro 2024.

4. Qualifier 3

The fourth team in Group C will also be determined through a qualification process involving lower-ranked teams in Europe. This team could be a dark horse and surprise the other teams in the group with their performance.

IV. Group D: Belgium, Turkey, Scotland, Qualifier 4

Group D of Euro 2024 features top-ranked team Belgium, along with Turkey, Scotland, and the winner of Qualifier 4. It is a group that promises some tough and exciting matches, with each team having the potential to make it to the knockout rounds.

1. Belgium

Belgium is currently the top-ranked team in the world and is one of the strongest teams in international football right now. They have been consistent performers in the Euros, reaching the quarter-finals in 2016 and the semi-finals in 2020. Led by star players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, they will be looking to go all the way and win their first-ever European title in Euro 2024.

2. Turkey

Turkey has been a regular at the Euros, qualifying for every edition since 1996. They had their best performance in 2008 when they reached the semi-finals. With a talented squad and a history of success in the tournament, they will be looking to make their mark in Group D and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

3. Scotland

Scotland is making their return to the Euros after a long absence of 25 years. Led by star player Andrew Robertson, they will be looking to make a statement in Euro 2024 and prove themselves as a strong team once again.

4. Qualifier 4

The fourth team in Group D will also be determined through a qualification process involving lower-ranked teams in Europe. This team could be a surprise package and challenge the other teams in the group for a spot in the knockout rounds.

V. Group E: England, Croatia, Wales, Qualifier 5

Group E of Euro 2024 features the last edition’s runners-up England, along with Croatia, Wales, and the winner of Qualifier 5. It is a tough group with some familiar opponents, and it promises to be an exciting battle for a spot in the knockout rounds.

1. England

England has been one of the most consistent performers in recent Euros, reaching the round of 16 in 2016 and the final in 2020. With a talented young squad, including the likes of Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho, they will be looking to go one step further and win their first-ever European title in Euro 2024.

2. Croatia

Croatia had a historic run in Euro 2020, reaching the final and finishing as runners-up. Led by star midfielder Luka Modric, they will be looking to replicate their success and make it to the knockout rounds once again in Euro 2024.

3. Wales

Wales had a memorable run in Euro 2016, reaching the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Portugal. They will be looking to continue their success in the tournament and make it to the knockout rounds once again in Euro 2024.

4. Qualifier 5

The fourth team in Group E will also be determined through a qualification process involving lower-ranked teams in Europe. This team could be an underdog, but with determination and hard work, they can surprise the other teams in the group.

VI. Group F: Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Qualifier 6

Group F of Euro 2024 is being called the “group of death” as it features three former champions Germany, Netherlands, and Portugal, along with the winner of Qualifier 6. It is undoubtedly the toughest group in the tournament, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how these top teams will battle it out for a spot in the knockout rounds.

1. Germany

Germany is one of the most successful teams in the Euros, winning the tournament in 1972, 1980, and 1996. They have been consistent performers in recent years, reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and the round of 16 in 2020. With a young and talented squad, including the likes of Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, they will be looking to add another European title to their trophy cabinet in Euro 2024.

2. Netherlands

Netherlands is another team with a rich history in the Euros, winning the tournament in 1988. After missing out on the last two editions, they will be making their return to the tournament in Euro 2024, and they will be hungry to make an impact. Led by star players like Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay, they have a strong squad that can challenge the other top teams in the group.

3. Portugal

Portugal is the defending champions of the Euros, having won the last edition in 2016. Led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, they will be looking to defend their title and make history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back Euros twice.

4. Qualifier 6

The fourth team in Group F will also be determined through a qualification process involving lower-ranked teams in Europe. This team could be a surprise package and challenge the other top teams for a spot in the knockout rounds.

FAQs

Q1. When will Euro 2024 group stage matches begin?

A1. The group stage matches for Euro 2024 will begin on June 12, 2024.

Q2. How many teams will participate in Euro 2024?

A2. A total of 24 teams will participate in Euro 2024, divided into six groups of four teams each.

Q3. How are the participating teams determined for Euro 2024?

A3. The teams qualify through a series of qualification rounds, with the top-ranked teams automatically qualifying and the lower-ranked teams going through a playoff process.

Q4. Who are the favorites to win Euro 2024?

A4. The top contenders for the title are France, Belgium, Spain, and Germany.

Q5. Will there be any new rules or changes in Euro 2024?

A5. It has been announced that an additional substitute will be allowed in extra time from the quarter-finals onwards in Euro 2024.

Conclusion

The group stage matches of Euro 2024 promise to be full of excitement and surprises, with some tough matchups and potential upsets. Fans all over the world are eagerly waiting for the tournament to begin, and it will be interesting to see which teams make it to the knockout rounds and ultimately lift the coveted trophy. Who do you think will come out on top in Group A-F? Let us know in the comments below!