As the anticipation reaches fever pitch, Euro 2024 is set to commence tonight, bringing together the finest footballing talents from across Europe. Hosted in the vibrant and historically rich nation of Germany, this edition of the UEFA European Championship promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and unyielding passion. From the iconic venues to the star-studded line-ups, every aspect of Euro 2024 is poised to capture the hearts and minds of millions. Here’s your ultimate guide to everything you need to know about Euro 2024, including who to watch and how to stay connected to every exhilarating moment.
Where is Euro 2024 taking place?
Euro 2024 is set to take place in Germany, a country with a rich footballing history and state-of-the-art stadiums. The tournament will be held in ten cities including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Cologne.
When will Euro 2024 kick off?
Euro 2024 will kick off on June 15, 2024 and conclude with the final match on July 15, 2024.
Who are the favourites to win Euro 2024?
- France: With a squad brimming with talent, including Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, France is a top contender. Their recent performances and depth make them a formidable opponent.
- England: Coming off a strong performance in Euro 2020, England, led by Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, is hungry for victory. Their balanced squad and tactical prowess are key strengths.
- Germany: The host nation, with stars like Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sané, is always a threat in major tournaments. Their home advantage and tactical discipline could be decisive.
- Spain: Known for their possession-based style, Spain, featuring young talents like Pedri and Ferran Torres, is a team to watch. Their recent resurgence in form adds to their credentials.
Which teams are the dark horses in Euro 2024?
- Belgium: With Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku leading the charge, Belgium has the quality to challenge the top teams.
- Italy: The defending champions, led by Federico Chiesa and Gianluigi Donnarumma, aim to retain their title with a blend of youth and experience.
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Portugal: With Cristiano Ronaldo potentially playing his last Euros, alongside Bruno Fernandes and João Félix, Portugal could be the surprise package.
Who are the players to watch in Euro 2024?
Kylian Mbappé (France)
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Kylian Mbappé is set to be one of the standout stars of Euro 2024 Known for his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling, and clinical finishing, Mbappé can turn a game on its head in an instant. His performances will be pivotal for France's ambitions to reclaim European glory.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
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Belgium's midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne, is renowned for his vision, precise passing, and powerful shooting. De Bruyne orchestrates play with finesse and intelligence, delivering match-winning assists and goals, making him indispensable for Belgium.
Pedri (Spain)
Reuters
At just 21, Pedri has cemented his place as one of the most exciting young talents in football. The Spanish midfielder's control, creativity, and work rate have drawn comparisons to Andrés Iniesta. Pedri's ability to dictate the game will be crucial for Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
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Even at 39, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a force to be reckoned with. The all-time leading goal scorer in international football, Ronaldo brings experience, leadership, and unparalleled goal-scoring ability. This could be Ronaldo's swansong on the international stage.
Harry Kane (England)
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England's captain and talisman, Harry Kane, is known for his lethal finishing, intelligent movement, and playmaking skills. Kane's leadership and knack for scoring crucial goals will be vital as England aims for European triumph.
Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
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A key figure in Germany's squad, Joshua Kimmich excels as both a defensive midfielder and a right-back. His tactical understanding, passing accuracy, and ability to read the game make him the linchpin of Germany's setup.
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
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Belgium's powerhouse striker, Romelu Lukaku, combines strength, speed, and clinical finishing. Lukaku's ability to hold up play and sharp movement in the box make him a constant threat, crucial for Belgium's success.
Federico Chiesa (Italy)
Federico Chiesa during the warm up before the match between Italy and Turkiye REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
Federico Chiesa was instrumental in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph. Known for his speed, dribbling, and relentless work ethic, Chiesa can score and create goals from wide positions, making him a valuable asset for the defending champions.
Which stadiums are hosting Euro 2024 matches?
- Berlin: Olympiastadion
- Munich: Allianz Arena
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion
- Frankfurt: Deutsche Bank Park
- Cologne: RheinEnergieStadion
- Dortmund: Signal Iduna Park
- Leipzig: Red Bull Arena
- Stuttgart: Mercedes-Benz Arena
- Düsseldorf: Merkur Spiel-Arena
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Gelsenkirchen: Veltins-Arena
What is the tournament format?
Euro 2024 features 24 teams divided into six groups of four. Each team plays three group stage matches, with the top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stages. The knockout rounds consist of the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Final.
How are the teams divided Into groups for Euro 2024?
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: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic
How will the UEFA Euro 2024 knockouts qualification work?
Teams will progress to the knockout stages based on their group stage performance. The top two teams from each group automatically qualify, along with the four best third-placed teams across all groups. This ensures a competitive edge, where every match counts towards securing a spot in the knockout rounds. In case of a tie in points, goal difference and goals scored will be used as tiebreakers.
What are the key matches to look forward to in Euro 2024?
- Opening match: The tournament kicks off with Germany taking on Scotland, setting the tone for the competition.
- Group of Death: Group D, featuring France, Germany, Portugal, and Austria, promises intense battles and high stakes.
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Historic Rivalries: Matches like England vs. Scotland and Germany vs. Netherlands will rekindle historic football rivalries.
Where can you watch Euro 2024?
In India, Euro 2024 matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports and Sony Ten. For those preferring online streaming, platforms like Hotstar and Sony Liv will offer live coverage.
How much is the prize money for Euro 2024?
The total prize money for Euro 2024 is expected to be around €371 million. The champions will receive a substantial share, with additional earnings for each stage they progress through, making it not only a prestigious but also a financially rewarding tournament.
Who is the EURO 2024 Mascot?
EURO 2024 mascot Albärt UEFA website
The official mascot for Euro 2024 is a bear named "Albärt," symbolising strength, courage, and the friendly spirit of the tournament. Albärt aims to engage fans, especially children, and bring a fun, energetic vibe to the event.
Is there an official EURO 2024 song?
Yes, the official song for Euro 2024 is "Fire" by renowned artists Meduza, One Republic and Leony. The song reflects the unity and passion of football fans worldwide and will be a central anthem throughout the tournament.
Who are the past winners of the UEFA Euro?
- 1960: Soviet Union
- 1964: Spain
- 1968: Italy
- 1972: West Germany
- 1976: Czechoslovakia
- 1980: West Germany
- 1984: France
- 1988: Netherlands
- 1992: Denmark
- 1996: Germany
- 2000: France
- 2004: Greece
- 2008: Spain
- 2012: Spain
- 2016: Portugal
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2020: Italy
What big stars are saying ahead of Euro 2024?
- Kylian Mbappé: “I really want to win this. My first competition as captain, so it’s really important for me and it’s always important for the country and we want them to be proud of us. [It’s] another opportunity to write the history of my country.” (CNN)
- Harry Kane: "In England’s history we’ve struggled to get across the finish line at major tournaments. This is our time to shine and make history." (AFP)
- Cristiano Ronaldo: "The thought has to be to replicate the feat of 2016. We need to be positive, take it step by step. Dreaming is free and this team has the talent to dream. Nothing can be achieved without work, we have to work and fight." (ESPN)
With all eyes on Germany, Euro 2024 promises to be a thrilling showcase of the best football talents in Europe. Fans can expect unforgettable matches, incredible individual performances, and a celebration of the beautiful game. Don't miss a moment of the action—tune in and support your favourite team!