The UEFA European Football Championship, also known as the UEFA European Championship or UEFA European Cup, is the premier national team football tournament for UEFA member states. It began in 1960 and is held every four years. Originally named the European Nations Cup, it was renamed to its current title in 1968.
All UEFA member countries wishing to participate in the UEFA Champions League final week must go through qualifying matches, except for the host country, which automatically advances. Teams with the best results in these qualifiers proceed to the final tournament. Initially, only 4 teams participated, but by 1980, the number had increased to 8, introducing a group stage format. In 1996, the tournament expanded to 16 teams and then to 24 teams starting in 2016.
The tournament now features 24 teams divided into 6 groups of 4 teams each. Each group follows a single round-robin format, with the top two teams and the four best third-placed teams advancing. The knockout stages then determine the champion.
Group A Teams for the 2024 European Championship
Germany
Germany, as the host nation, will have a significant home advantage in this year’s European Championship. Scheduled to play against Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland on June 15th, 20th, and 24th respectively, Germany aims to secure a top spot in Group A. Despite being ranked 16th globally and not having to go through qualifying matches, Germany’s footballing history is illustrious, with four World Cup titles and three European Championships.
Recent performances have been mixed, with a Round of 16 finish in the 2020 European Championship and a group stage exit in the 2022 World Cup. However, under the leadership of Julian Nagelsmann since September 2023, Germany is rebuilding. Key players include midfield stars Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Toni Kroos, and Ilkay Gündogan, along with world-class goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Germany’s 2024 European Championship Schedule:
- June 15, 03:00: Germany vs. Scotland
- June 20, 00:00: Germany vs. Hungary
- June 24, 03:00: Switzerland vs. Germany
Scotland
Scotland, ranked 34th in the world, qualified for the 2024 European Championship by outperforming Norway, Georgia, and Cyprus. Managed by Steve Clarke, who has extensive coaching experience at top clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool, Scotland boasts a strong lineup with Premier League talents such as Andrew Robertson, Scott McTominay, and Kieran Tierney.
Their group-stage matches against Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary are crucial for advancing. The opening match against Germany on June 15th is particularly significant.
Scotland’s 2024 European Championship Schedule:
- June 15, 03:00: Germany vs. Scotland
- June 20, 03:00: Scotland vs. Switzerland
- June 24, 03:00: Scotland vs. Hungary
Hungary
Hungary, ranked 27th globally, secured their spot by finishing first in their qualifying group, which included Serbia, Montenegro, Lithuania, and Bulgaria. Under coach Marco Rossi, Hungary aims to surpass their previous European Championship performances. Key players include captain Dominik Szoboszlai, a Liverpool midfielder valued at 75 million euros, alongside notable players like Roland Sallai and Attila Szalai.
Hungary’s fixtures include matches against Switzerland, Germany, and Scotland, starting on June 15th.
Hungary’s 2024 European Championship Schedule:
- June 15, 21:00: Hungary vs. Switzerland
- June 20, 00:00: Germany vs. Hungary
- June 24, 03:00: Scotland vs. Hungary
Switzerland
Switzerland, ranked 19th in the world, qualified for the tournament by finishing second in their group behind Romania. Under coach Murat Yakin, Switzerland aims to improve on their 2020 performance, where they reached the quarter-finals. Key players include Manuel Akanji, Granit Xhaka, and Denis Zakaria.
Their group matches are against Hungary, Scotland, and Germany, with crucial games set to influence their progression.
Switzerland’s 2024 European Championship Schedule:
- June 15, 21:00: Hungary vs. Switzerland
- June 20, 03:00: Scotland vs. Switzerland
- June 24, 03:00: Switzerland vs. Germany
Group A of the 2024 European Championship promises intense competition, with each team bringing unique strengths and aspirations to the tournament. Fans can look forward to thrilling matches as these teams vie for a spot in the knockout stages.
