The quadrennial UEFA European Championship (UEFA EURO), a prestigious tournament showcasing the elite national teams of Europe, is set to enthral audiences this summer.
Germany, having previously hosted the competition in 1988 (as West Germany), will reclaim the spotlight as a unified nation from June 14 to July 14, 2024. This marks the first time a reunified Germany will serve as the sole host, following the successful hosting of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
The month-long spectacle will witness 24 teams vying for continental glory. The tournament structure features a group stage followed by a single-elimination knockout phase.
As the host nation, Germany enjoy an automatic berth in Group A, commencing their campaign against Scotland on June 14 at the illustrious Munich Football Arena.
The remaining 23 teams secured their participation through a year-long qualification process. The group compositions are as follows:
| Group A | Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland |
| Group B | Spain, Croatia, Italy (defending champions), Albania |
| Group C | Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England |
| Group D | Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France |
| Group E | Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine |
| Group F | Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic |
Mirroring Euro 2020, the format entails six groups of four teams engaging in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group, along with the four highest-ranked third-place finishers, will progress to the knockout stage. Here, the pressure intensifies as matches become win-or-go-home affairs, with extra time and penalty shootouts potentially deciding close encounters. The culmination of the tournament will witness two nations battling for the coveted European Championship trophy.
Ten magnificent stadiums across Germany will have the privilege of hosting matches, including the Olympiastadion Berlin, the BVB Stadion Dortmund, and the Volksparkstadion Hamburg.
Spectators can also anticipate witnessing cutting-edge technology on display. The official match ball, aptly named “FUSSBALLLIEBE” (German for “love of football”), will be the first in European Championship history to incorporate adidas Connected Ball Technology.
Adding to the tournament’s charm is the official mascot, Albärt, a cuddly teddy bear chosen by UEFA users and schoolchildren across Europe.
For Indian fans eager to witness the action unfold, live streaming will commence on June 15 at 12:30 am IST due to the time difference. Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster, will provide comprehensive coverage of all matches in English, Hindi, and regional languages.
The tournament promises to be a star-studded affair. From the farewell appearance of the German legend Toni Kroos, orchestrating the midfield, to the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo, seeking to solidify his legacy further, Euro 2024 guarantees a captivating blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent.