Euro 2024: the confirmed qualifying groups
Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia, Cyprus
Group B: Netherlands, France, Rep Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar
Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine, N Macedonia, Malta
Group D: Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Turkey, Latvia
Group E: Poland, Czechs, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova
Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia
Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuainia
Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Luxembourg, N. Ireland, San Marino
Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kazakstan, Belarus, Andorra
Group J: Portugal, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Slovakia, Liechtenstein
Group D: Armenian angle
Eduard Spertsyan gives his early thoughts on the draw and is feeling bullish about Armenia's chances of qualifying for the finals.
Although he has brief opinions on the other teams in the group, he says that the most important thing is that his side play their own game.
Group B: so Sneijd
Any excuse to enjoy this goal for Wesley Sneijder again, giving the keeper no chance at Euro 2008.
Group B: unlucky Ireland
So, what's that saying about the luck of the Irish? Yeah, may have been missing today as those from the Republic were picked from Pot 3 into the awaiting group with Netherlands and France. Ouchie!
At least there's plenty of wonderful beer in Germany to help them through it!
Group C: England's Euro final repeat
We left the last European Championships with the final at Wembley, a home game for England but one they were unable to win, as Italy were crowned champions.
And as you've seen, today's draw has thrown the two nations together again in the group stage, along with Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta. English fans reacted:
"Terrible" "Tougher than usual" and "We aren't qualifying" measured with "It looks alright" "We should qualify" and "Should at least finish second"
One comment that is rather key is "Tough for a new manager" suggesting that the upcoming World Cup in Qatar could be Gareth Southgate's final involvement.
Euro 2024: key dates to know
Although the actual dates for each of the fixtures will take a little time to agree, below you'll find a guide to when you can expect the fixtures to fall.
Qualifying match dates:
23-25 March 2023 Matchday 1
26-28 March 2023 Matchday 2
16-17 June 2023 Matchday 3
19-20 June 2023 Matchday 4
07-09 September 2023 Matchday 5
10-12 September 2023 Matchday 6
12-14 October 2023 Matchday 7
15-17 October 2023 Matchday 8
16-18 November 2023 Matchday 9
19-21 November 2023 Matchday 10
Play-off match dates:
21 March 2024 Play-off semi-finals
26 March 2024 Play-off finals
Final tournament dates:
14 June 2024 UEFA EURO 2024 finals opener
14 July 2024 UEFA EURO 2024 final
Group I: Israel chances
Although there are some obstacles to get over in the group, Israel will be feeling confident of progressing.
They must have looked at the flag for the top seed in the group and thought to themselves that it was a big plus.
Euro 2024 early betting: outright winner
So who's winning this? As hosts, qualification is in the bag so helps when it comes to the odds at this stage. Here's one offering:
Germany – 11/2
France – 6/1
England – 13/2
Spain – 7/1
Italy – 9/1
Republic of Ireland – 200/1
Wales – 200/1
Scotland – 250/1
Northern Ireland – 750/1
Group A
When you have a bogey team, it sometimes feels worse than facing the best striker in the world. Poor Scotland!
Let's get some reactions to the draw…
Dreaming of the title
Now that you know the groups, which of your favourite players can you see lifting the trophy come the summer of '24?
In case you didn't realise, the draw is now complete with the last three teams going into Groups H, I and J, giving them six instead of five competitors.
Pot 6: just the three
Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia, Cyprus
Group B: Netherlands, France, Rep Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar
Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine, N Macedonia, Malta
Group D: Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Turkey, Latvia
Group E: Poland, Czechs, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova
Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia
Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuainia
Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Luxembourg, N. Ireland, San Marino
Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kazakstan, Belarus, Andorra
Group J: Portugal, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Slovakia, Liechtenstein
Note: Gibraltar were the first out of Pot 5 but are restricted from playing against Spain. Bloody politics!
Pot 5 into the mix
Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia, Cyprus
Group B: Netherlands, France, Rep Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar
Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine, N Macedonia, Malta
Group D: Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Turkey, Latvia
Group E: Poland, Czechs, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova
Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia
Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuainia
Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Luxembourg, N. Ireland
Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kazakstan, Belarus
Group J: Portugal, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Slovakia
I trust you're enjoying this. Some tasty groups building…
Time for Pot 4 to get involved
Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia
Group B: Netherlands, France, Rep Ireland, Greece
Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine, N Macedonia
Group D: Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Turkey
Group E: Poland, Czechs, Albania, Faroe Islands
Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan
Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria
Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Luxembourg
Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kazakstan
Group J: Portugal, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo
Pot 3 joins the party
Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway
Group B: Netherlands, France, Rep Ireland
Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine
Group D: Croatia, Wales, Armenia
Group E: Poland, Czechs, Albania
Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden
Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro
Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia
Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania
Group J: Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland
Pots 2 added
Group A: Spain get Scotland
Group B: Netherlands get France
Group C: Italy gets England
Group D: Croatia gets Wales
Group E: Poland gets Czechs
Group F: Belgium gets Austria
Group G: Hungary gets Serbia
Group H: Denmark gets Finland
Group I: Switzerland gets Israel
Group J: Portugal gets Bosnia and Herzegovina
Klinsmann gets to pick first, and he drops Spain into Group A. Netherlands (B), Italy (C) and Croatia (D) follow.
Poland (E), Belgium (F), Hungary (G), Denmark (H), Switzerland (I), Portugal (J)
OK, we've had the explanation of the draw and we're ready to go. The UNL and Pot 1 teams will take their places first…
Giorgio Marchetti is welcomed onto the stage.
That must mean it's time for all the official draw details to be explained. Rather than me repeating them here, just scroll down this feed and you'll get pretty much everything he's saying.
I'll add anything new or interesting…
Meet Frankfurt and the rest of the German cities with host stadiums! That's our latest video.
For anyone who is not sure about going in 2024, can I push you over to the 'yes' side of the fence? Germany is made for watching football and having a good time. I've done it several times myself and can't wait for my next visit. I suggest you try it out!
After some nice words about the Italians winning last year, and a look back at their own successes, it's time for the German helpers to take to the stage: Riedle and Klinsmann.
Guttingly, the former Spurs man didn't slide onto the stage!
No need for translations here. These two have a fabulous level of English (although we're in Germany so… forget it!) and how the hell is Karl-Heinz still looking so handsome. It just ain't fair.
Worth noting that neither player said their nation has virtually zip-all chance of winning the title.
In case you've forgotten, Italy are the reigning champs of this title, when they ensured that the male version of football was not coming home.
It looks like it's time to meet those legends that I mentioned before to help with the draw. The two Italians first, Albertini and Zambrotta, carrying on the Euro 2024 trophy. Beautifully buffed, and the trophy is shiny too.
Hah! Just when you thought the ball picking action was getting going, we're treated to another distraction. I do suppose they need to make it worth their guests' time.
On the big screen is a tribute to the Euros of the past, and a nod to Germany, our hosts.
Some background on our performer, who says "we are looking for love".
Lena Johanna Therese Meyer-Landrut, also known by the mononym Lena, is a German singer. She rose to fame after representing Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo, winning the contest with her song "Satellite".
"We're actually looking for the results of today's draw," quips Pinto. What a lad.
"Music and football go together very well," says Laura, and that means we start with a performance.
Lena takes over… with dancers and big screen backdrop.
Euro 2024: it's time for the draw
OK, exactly on time — I'll ignore the obvious German efficiency stereotype comment, oops — we are go.
The audience members are very nicely turned out as our presenters take to the stage: Laura Wontorra and Pedro Pinto.
Pot 3 threat: Haaland and Odegaard
Another nation that many of the so-called top dogs will be wanting to avoid will be Norway.
With goal-greedy Erling Haaland being overfed by silver-platter assist-maker Martin Odegaard, who knows what damage they can cause to opposition defences.
Euro 2024: the all important pots/seedings
As you can see in the graphic below, the Netherlands, Croatia, Spain and Italy form the UEFA Nations League pot after their performances over recent months.
They, along with the teams in Pot 1 (namely, Denmark, Portugal, Belgium, Hungary, Switzerland and Poland) will be eyeing up potential tough challenges in the lower seeds. And there are a few… Looking at you France, England and, er, Scotland!
Euro 2024: how qualifying works
As the hosts, Germany have already secured their place in the finals, meaning we have 23 other slots to fill…and that's where the European Qualifiers come in.
The games will run from March to November 2023, and then there will be the excitement of some play-offs which should take place in March 2024.
Today's draw will put teams into ten groups of five (containing the four UEFA Nations League Finals participants) or six. Sides will play each other home and away in a round-robin format, with the group winners and runners-up advancing directly to the finals.
The remaining three teams will be decided through the play-offs, featuring 12 teams selected based on their performance in the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League.
All clear? Let's take a look at the seedings and associated pots.
German stadiums: vorsprung durch technik et al
As mentioned, the German's did a fabulous job with the World Cup in 2006 and, thanks to a thriving Bundesliga, have numerous very suitable host venues. Those being used:
Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (current capacity: 70,000) – this is where the final is scheduled to be played
Cologne: Cologne Stadium (47,000)
Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (66,000)
Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (47,000)
Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (48,000)
Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (50,000)
Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (50,000)
Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (42,000)
Munich: Munich Football Arena (67,000)
Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (54,000)
Euro 2024: where it's at
As any budding Sherlock Holmes out there may have worked out after seeing where we are situated for the draw, the hosts of the UEFA European Championship in 2024 will be Germany.
Die Mannschaft – no, that's not offensive – have lifted the continental title three times already, although a lot of improvement to the current team will be needed if they are to make that four.
Interestingly, I think, this is the first time that a reunified Germany has hosted this event (the World Cup was here in 2006). In 1988 it was held in the West.
SCOTTISH CUP
'Is he pissed!?' Rod Stewart's bizzare antics in Scottish Cup draw
As is now customary here, we can't mention other ball selectors for big draws without reflecting back on this absolute plucker, Rod Stewart.
The pop star had fans in tears yesterday with his theatrical and downright eccentric behaviour during the Scottish Cup draw. It certainly made the usually tedious affair far more entertaining, anyway! Relive it above…and then cross your fingers that we get something similar today.
Meet our Euro 2024 ball pluckers
Along with our UEFA presenters doing their official thing our supporting acts are Jürgen Klinsmann, Karl-Heinz Riedle, Gianluca Zambrotta and Demetrio Albertini.
Do you know what have they all have in common that make them sensible picks for this event?
… they’ve all played in a Euro final. Well done!
Changes afoot: slimmer Euros ahead
As Martin Ziegler reports, UEFA are being forced to rethink the competition and will slim down the qualifying groups to four teams for future Euros to try to drive up interest from broadcasters.
The key point though for today is that we don't have to rework our own thinking for the 2024 edition.
EURO 2024
UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying draw: how to watch on TV, stream online in US/UK and around the world
The draw for the 2024 championships will take place at 12 noon CET (local time here in Frankfurt), which is 6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT in the United States and 11 a.m. in the United Kingdom.
Find out what time that is wherever you are in the world and click on the picture above for more information about the draw… or just stay here and I'll cover it all anyway!
Football festivities in Frankfurt
The venue for today's Euro 2024 qualifying draw is the Festhalle exhibition centre. As I was reliably informed earlier, it is one of the most famous venues Germany and hosts renowned international events every year linked to a variety of industries.
The exhibition centre boasts multifunctional and flexible areas and sees thousands of visitors, organisers and exhibitors gather to take the advantage of the spaces build for them.
In other words, a decent room for the UEFA bigwigs.
UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying draw: welcome
Hello and a very warm welcome to our live coverage of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying draw. With over 50 nations awaiting news of who they will be facing in their bid to make it to the finals, I'll ensure that you have information on the groups as they are forming in front of our eyes.
As we await the officials taking to the stage, I'll give you some background information to the draw, the teams involved, and how the qualification will then take shape.
Stay with me as we learn each country's route to the finals…
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