Euro 2024 Group Matchups Who Plays Whom
The excitement for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament is already building up, and fans are eagerly waiting to see their favorite teams clash on the field. One of the most anticipated aspects of any major football tournament is the group stage matchups. It sets the tone for the rest of the tournament and often determines which teams will make it to the knockout rounds. The qualifying draw for Euro 2024 has been made, and 24 teams have been divided into six groups. In this article, we will take a closer look at each group’s matchups and analyze how they may pan out. So let’s dive in and see who plays whom in the Euro 2024 group stage.
Group A: Germany, Croatia, Switzerland, and Hungary
History and Background
This group consists of three nations that have a long history in European football – Germany, Croatia, and Switzerland – along with one of the tournament’s underdogs, Hungary. Germany, the defending champions, will be looking to defend their title and add yet another Euro trophy to their collection. Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists, will be determined to make it further than their quarter-final finish in the last edition of Euro. Switzerland, on the other hand, will be hoping to improve on their round of 16 exit from Euro 2020. And last but not least, Hungary, who will be making their first appearance in the European Championship since 1972.
Matchups Overview
The clear favorites in this group are Germany and Croatia, who have both shown their strength in recent years. However, it would be unwise to underestimate Switzerland, who have consistently performed well in major tournaments. Hungary may seem like the underdogs in this group, but they have shown they can cause an upset when needed. The opening match between Germany and Croatia is sure to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to start their Euro 2024 campaign on a high note. The match between Switzerland and Croatia will also be an interesting one, as the Swiss will look to avenge their defeat in the round of 16 at Euro 2016.
Key Players
- Germany: Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane
- Croatia: Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic
- Switzerland: Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Breel Embolo
- Hungary: Dominik Szoboszlai, Adam Szalai, Willi Orban
Predictions
It is hard to predict which two teams will make it out of this group, but it is safe to say that Germany and Croatia have a higher chance of advancing. However, if Switzerland can replicate their performance from Euro 2020, they could potentially cause an upset and make it to the knockout rounds. Hungary may not be strong enough to compete with these top European nations, but they will surely give their all and try to make their mark in the tournament.
Group B: Belgium, Russia, Turkey, and Wales
History and Background
Belgium, who are currently ranked number one in the FIFA World Rankings, are undoubtedly the favorites in this group. They will be looking to finally win a major tournament after falling short in recent years. Russia, the hosts of Euro 2024, will be hoping to use home advantage to their benefit and replicate their success from the 2018 World Cup. Turkey, who have been impressive in recent years, will also be aiming to make it to the knockout rounds. And Wales, who reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, will be determined to prove that it was not just a fluke.
Matchups Overview
The standout match in this group is undoubtedly between Belgium and Russia, as the two top-ranked teams face off against each other. Turkey vs Wales may also be an interesting match, as both teams will be evenly matched. However, it is hard to see any of these teams causing an upset against the powerhouse that is Belgium.
Key Players
- Belgium: Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku
- Russia: Artem Dzyuba, Aleksandr Golovin, Denis Cheryshev
- Turkey: Burak Yilmaz, Hakan Calhanoglu, Yusuf Yazici
- Wales: Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies
Predictions
It is almost certain that Belgium will make it through to the knockout rounds, but the second spot could go to any of the remaining three teams. Russia may have a slight advantage due to playing at home, but Turkey and Wales are more than capable of qualifying for the round of 16. It will all come down to who performs better on the field.
Group C: England, Sweden, Scotland, and Ukraine
History and Background
This group is unique as it consists of three nations from the UK – England, Scotland, and Wales – along with Ukraine. England, who reached the final of Euro 2020, will be looking to finally win their first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup. Sweden, who have been consistent performers in recent years, will also be aiming to make it to the knockout rounds. Scotland, making their first appearance in the European Championship since 1996, will be hoping to cause an upset. And lastly, Ukraine, who topped their group in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, will be eager to prove themselves on the big stage.
Matchups Overview
The highlight of this group is undoubtedly the matches between England and Scotland, which will see the two rivals face off against each other. The match between Sweden and Ukraine will also be an interesting one, as both teams have similar playing styles. However, it is hard to see any of these teams defeating England, who are the clear favorites in this group.
Key Players
- England: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford
- Sweden: Emil Forsberg, Alexander Isak, Sebastian Larsson
- Scotland: Andrew Robertson, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney
- Ukraine: Andriy Yarmolenko, Roman Yaremchuk, Mykola Shaparenko
Predictions
It would be a shock if England does not make it through this group. The second spot could potentially go to any of the remaining three teams, but Sweden seems like the most likely candidate. Scotland and Ukraine will have to be at their absolute best if they want to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Group D: Spain, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia
History and Background
Spain, the only team to win back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, will be looking to add a fourth Euro title to their name. Poland, led by superstar striker Robert Lewandowski, will also be aiming to make it to the knockout rounds. Czech Republic, who made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, will be eager to replicate their success. And Slovakia, who qualified for Euro 2020 through the play-offs, will be determined to prove their worth on the big stage.
Matchups Overview
The standout match in this group is between Spain and Poland, which could potentially determine who finishes first in the group. The match between Czech Republic and Slovakia may also be a close encounter, with both teams having similar playing styles.
Key Players
- Spain: Sergio Ramos, Thiago Alcantara, Ferran Torres
- Poland: Robert Lewandowski, Arkadiusz Milik, Piotr Zielinski
- Czech Republic: Patrik Schick, Tomas Soucek, Vladimir Darida
- Slovakia: Marek Hamsik, Milan Skriniar, Ondrej Duda
Predictions
Spain is the clear favorite in this group, and it will be a surprise if they do not top the group. Poland may have a slight advantage over Czech Republic and Slovakia, but it could go either way between these three teams. It will all come down to who performs better on the day.
Group E: France, Portugal, Croatia, and Finland
History and Background
This group is surely one of the toughest in the tournament, with two of the last three European champions – France and Portugal – facing off against each other. France, who are also the current World Cup champions, will be aiming to add another major trophy to their collection. Portugal, who won Euro 2016, will be looking to defend their title. And Croatia, who have been consistent performers in recent years, will be eager to make it to the knockout rounds once again. Finland, making their debut in a major tournament, will be determined to make a mark and cause an upset.
Matchups Overview
The match between France and Portugal is undoubtedly the most highly anticipated fixture in this group. The two powerhouses will face off against each other in what could potentially be the decider for who finishes first in the group. Croatia vs Finland may not seem like an exciting match, but it would be unwise to underestimate the Finns, who have shown they can compete with the best.
Key Players
- France: Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba
- Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix
- Croatia: Ivan Rakitic, Ante Rebic, Dejan Lovren
- Finland: Teemu Pukki, Glen Kamara, Tim Sparv
Predictions
It is hard to pick between France and Portugal for the top spot in this group. However, both teams are strong enough to make it to the knockout rounds even if they do not finish first. Croatia is also a strong team and could potentially cause an upset, while Finland will have to be at their absolute best if they want to progress to the next round.
Group F: Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, and Scotland
History and Background
This group consists of three European nations that have won the European Championship before – Italy, Denmark, and Netherlands – along with Scotland. Italy, who have won the European Championship once in 1968, will be eager to add another trophy to their cabinet. Denmark, who were crowned champions in 1992, will be determined to replicate their success. Netherlands, who won the tournament in 1988, will be aiming to bounce back after failing to qualify for Euro 2020. And Scotland, as mentioned before, will be making their first appearance in the European Championship since 1996.
Matchups Overview
The match between Italy and Netherlands is undoubtedly the highlight of this group, as two former champions face off against each other. The match between Denmark and Scotland may not seem like an exciting one, but both teams will be evenly matched, and it could potentially determine who finishes third in the group.
Key Players
- Italy: Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Marco Verratti
- Denmark: Kasper Dolberg, Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
- Netherlands: Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum, Virgil van Dijk
- Scotland: Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, Ryan Fraser
Predictions
Italy and Netherlands are the clear favorites in this group, and it would be surprising if they do not finish first and second. However, Denmark is a strong team and could potentially cause an upset against either of these two nations. Scotland, on the other hand, will need to put up a fight if they want to progress to the next round.
FAQs
Q: When will Euro 2024 take place?
A: Euro 2024 will take place from June 14 to July 14, 2024.
Q: How many teams will participate in Euro 2024?
A: A total of 24 teams will compete in Euro 2024, divided into six groups of four teams each.
Q: Which countries will host Euro 2024?
A: Germany and France were initially the only two countries bidding to host Euro 2024. However, France withdrew their bid, making Germany the sole host country for the tournament.
Q: Who won the last edition of Euro?
A: Portugal won the last edition of Euro in 2016, defeating France in the final.
Q: Which stadium will host the final of Euro 2024?
A: The final of Euro 2024 will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
Conclusion
The group stage matchups for Euro 2024 are surely going to be exciting, with top teams facing off against each other. It will be interesting to see which teams make it through to the knockout rounds and who ultimately lifts the trophy. As football fans, all we can do is wait eagerly for the tournament to begin and witness some thrilling matches between the best European teams.
