The journey to the UEFA Euro 2024 is a meticulously orchestrated process that involves multiple phases, from the initial qualification stages to the final tournament. As the anticipation for one of football’s most prestigious competitions builds, fans, players, and national teams across Europe gear up for the challenge. Here is an in-depth look into the qualification journey, shedding light on the structure, key milestones, and what to expect in the months leading up to Euro 2024.
Qualification Format and Structure
For Euro 2024, the qualification process entails several stages designed to ensure a fair and competitive path to the tournament for teams across Europe. The qualification campaign traditionally involves all UEFA member nations, categorized into groups through a draw process. The road to Euro 2024 starts with a preliminary round, followed by the group stage.
The preliminary round typically features lower-ranking teams competing in knock-out formats to earn a spot in the main qualification group stage. In the group stage, countries are divided into groups, usually consisting of five or six teams that compete in a round-robin format. Each team plays home and away matches against every other team in their group. Points are awarded for wins and draws, with the top teams advancing.
Advancement and Play-offs
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