UEFA Euro Soccer: A Comprehensive Review of EURO 2024
Germany triumphantly hosted UEFA Euro 2024, marking the 17th edition of this prestigious international soccer tournament. Selected by the UEFA Executive Committee in 2018, Germany beat out Türkiye for the hosting rights. This was the first time a unified Germany hosted the tournament, although West Germany hosted in 1988. The tournament took place from June 14th to July 14th, 2024, with the group stage concluding on June 26th and the knockout stage commencing on June 29th.
Germany, as the host nation, was automatically seeded into Group A and played the opening match against Scotland, winning decisively 5-1 in Munich. The final tournament draw, held in Hamburg in December 2023, determined the composition of the 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), and Group F (Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czechia). Poland, Ukraine, and Georgia secured their spots through play-off matches.
The tournament followed the same format as UEFA Euro 2020, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 16. This ensured a thrilling and competitive knockout stage.
Spain emerged victorious in the final, defeating England 2-1 at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion on July 14th, 2024. This historic win secured Spain’s fourth UEFA Euro title, solidifying their position as a dominant force in European soccer.
Ten venues across Germany hosted the matches, nine of which were previously used in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, with the Düsseldorf Arena being the tenth. Notably, the Munich Football Arena hosted matches for the second consecutive EURO tournament. The host cities included Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, and Stuttgart, each offering state-of-the-art stadiums and vibrant fan experiences.
UEFA implemented a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy for EURO 2024, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. This strategy outlined specific measures and investments aimed at minimizing the tournament’s environmental impact and promoting social responsibility.
Each host city featured dedicated fan zones equipped with public viewing screens, creating lively atmospheres for supporters to gather and enjoy the Uefa Euro Soccer matches together. These fan zones provided a central hub for fans to celebrate the tournament and share their passion for the sport.
The official match ball, named FUSSBALLLIEBE (German for “love of football”), featured adidas Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a UEFA Euro tournament. This innovative technology provided real-time data and insights into the ball’s movement and trajectory.
The official mascot, a teddy bear named Albärt, was chosen through a vote by UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe. Albärt was introduced to fans in June 2023 during a friendly match between Germany and Colombia, embodying the friendly and inclusive spirit of the tournament.
Each host city appointed city ambassadors, prominent figures from the world of sports and entertainment, to represent their city and promote the tournament. These ambassadors played a key role in engaging local communities and building excitement for UEFA Euro soccer.
A volunteer program attracted over 146,000 applicants, with 16,000 volunteers from 124 nations ultimately selected. These volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the tournament and creating a welcoming atmosphere for fans.
The official song, “FIRE,” a collaboration between Meduza, OneRepublic, and Leony, captured the energy and excitement of UEFA Euro soccer. The song’s blend of electronic, pop, and rock elements created an anthem that resonated with fans throughout the tournament.
UEFA eEURO 2024, the official esports championship for the tournament, took place on EA SPORTS FC™ 24. The online qualifiers began in March 2024, culminating in the final held in Germany during the summer. This virtual tournament allowed fans to engage with UEFA Euro soccer in a new and exciting way.