The UEFA European Championship, commonly known as the Euros, is one of the most prestigious international football tournaments in the world. Being held every four years since 1960, it gathers the best national teams from Europe to compete for the coveted title of European champions. The next edition of this highly anticipated event, Euro 2024, is scheduled to take place in Germany from June 14th to July 14th. With the tournament fast approaching, here’s everything you need to know about the Euro 2024 calendar and how to make the most out of this football extravaganza.
History of Euro 2024
Before we dive into the details of the upcoming tournament, let’s take a quick look at the history of the Euros. The first edition of the tournament was held in 1960, with four teams competing for the title. Since then, the tournament has grown in size and popularity, with the number of participating teams increasing from four to 24 in the upcoming edition.
Germany has a rich history in the Euros, having won the title three times (1972, 1980, and 1996). The country is also the only nation to have hosted the tournament three times, with the upcoming edition being its fourth time as a host.
Format of the Tournament
Euro 2024 will follow the same format as the previous editions, with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. The 24 participating teams will be divided into six groups of four, with each group playing against each other in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, with the remaining eight spots being filled by the four best third-placed teams.
The knockout rounds will consist of the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. Unlike the World Cup, there is no third-place playoff in the Euros.
Euro 2024 Calendar
Now, let’s get to the most important part – the dates of the matches. The first game of the tournament will kick off on June 14th, with Germany playing against one of the teams from Group F. The group stage matches will continue until June 27th, with four games being played each day.
The round of 16 will start on June 30th and will be played over four consecutive days, followed by the quarter-finals on July 6th and 7th. The semi-finals will take place on July 10th and 11th, with the final being held on July 14th in Berlin.
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the football action, mark your calendars with these important dates and plan your schedule accordingly.
Group Stage Matches (June 14th – June 27th)
The group stage matches are the first round of the tournament, where all 24 teams will battle it out to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. Each team will play three games during this stage, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16.
The following table shows the dates and venues for the group stage matches:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 14th | Germany vs TBD | Munich |
| June 15th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 16th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 17th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 18th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 19th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 20th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 21st | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 22nd | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 23rd | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 24th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 25th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 26th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| June 27th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
Round of 16 (June 30th – July 3rd)
The round of 16 is where the real excitement begins, with the top 16 teams from the group stage competing for a spot in the quarter-finals. The winners of each match will advance to the next round, while the losers will be eliminated from the tournament.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 30th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| July 1st | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| July 2nd | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| July 3rd | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
Quarter-Finals (July 6th – July 7th)
The quarter-finals will see the remaining eight teams battle it out for a spot in the semi-finals. Like the round of 16, the winners of each match will move on to the next round, and the losers will be eliminated.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 6th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
| July 7th | TBD vs TBD | TBD |
Semi-Finals (July 10th – July 11th)
The semi-finals will feature the four best teams of the tournament, with the winners of each match advancing to the final and the losers playing for the third-place spot.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 10th | TBD vs TBD | Dresden |
| July 11th | TBD vs TBD | Düsseldorf |
Final (July 14th)
The highly anticipated final of Euro 2024 will take place in Berlin on July 14th. The two remaining teams will battle it out for the title of European champions, with millions of fans eagerly watching and supporting their favorite team.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 14th | TBD vs TBD | Berlin |
Ticket Sales
If you want to experience the football excitement firsthand, you can purchase tickets for Euro 2024 through UEFA’s official website. The ticket sales are expected to start in the spring of 2023, so keep an eye out for the announcement and make sure to secure your seats early.
There will be different categories of tickets available, with prices ranging from €30 for group stage matches to €250 for the final. The exact prices will be announced closer to the start of the ticket sales.
To make the ticket purchasing process fair for everyone, UEFA has implemented a random selection draw system. This means that there is no advantage to buying tickets as soon as they become available, as the tickets will be allocated randomly.
Ticket Packages
UEFA also offers ticket packages for fans who want to attend multiple matches during the tournament. These packages include tickets for specific groups of matches and offer a discount compared to buying individual tickets. The following are the different ticket packages available:
- Group Package: Includes one ticket for all three group stage matches of a specific team.
- Knockout Package: Includes one ticket for a round of 16 match, a quarter-final match, and a semi-final match in the same city.
- Venue Package: Includes one ticket for all matches taking place at a specific venue, from the group stage to the final.
Travel and Accommodation
Germany is a popular destination for tourists, and with the Euros being held there, it will undoubtedly attract football fans from all over Europe. If you’re planning to attend the tournament, it’s best to start making your travel and accommodation arrangements as early as possible.
Traveling to Germany
Germany has an extensive network of airports, making it easily accessible from anywhere in Europe and the rest of the world. The host cities for Euro 2024 are spread across the country, so make sure to choose the most convenient airport for your travel plans.
Once in Germany, you can travel between cities by plane, train, or bus. The German rail network is highly efficient and offers high-speed trains between major cities, while long-distance buses are a more affordable option.
Accommodation Options
With millions of people expected to visit Germany during the tournament, it’s crucial to book your accommodation well in advance. The host cities offer a variety of options, including hotels, hostels, Airbnb rentals, and campsites.
Hotels tend to be the most expensive option, with prices increasing closer to the tournament. Hostels and Airbnb rentals are more budget-friendly options, but they also tend to fill up quickly during major events. If you want to save some money, consider staying at a campsite near one of the host cities.
FAQs
- When will Euro 2024 take place? Euro 2024 is scheduled to take place from June 14th to July 14th, 2024.
- How many teams will participate in the tournament? 24 teams will compete in the upcoming edition of the Euros.
- Where will Euro 2024 be held? The tournament will be hosted by Germany, with matches taking place in ten different cities.
- When will ticket sales start? Ticket sales are expected to start in the spring of 2023.
- How can I purchase tickets for Euro 2024? Tickets can be purchased through UEFA’s official website.
Conclusion
Euro 2024 promises to be an unforgettable football experience, with top teams battling it out for the title of European champions. By marking your calendars and planning ahead, you can ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the action. So get ready to cheer on your favorite team and witness some of the biggest names in football competing on the world stage.