Euro 2024 Qualifying: Groups, Schedule, and How the Race to Germany Unfolds

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This is how the ten groups come together to carry 53 teams into Germany for Euro 2024’s qualifying journey.

On Sunday, October 9, 2022, the draw determined the path to Euro 2024, set to unfold across Germany from June 14 to July 14. Spain, having claimed the UEFA Nations League group, was among the seeded nations in the draw, highlighting the strength and balance expected in the competition.

Euro 2024 qualifying round: when it starts, groups, calendar, fixtures, schedules, results and how it works

Euro 2024 qualifying round: when does it start?

The European Championship qualifying campaign began in March 2023, with the opening matches scheduled across two days from March 23 to 27. This phase kicked off a lengthy journey toward the final tournament in Germany, laying the groundwork for group-by-group battles and the race for direct qualification and playoff spots.

Euro 2024 qualifying round: groups, calendar, fixtures, schedules and results

GROUP A

B GROUP

GROUP C

GROUP D

GROUP E

GROUP F

GROUP G

GROUP H

GROUP I

GROUP J

Qualifying schedule for Euro 2024

Days 1 and 2: March 23 to 27, 2023 marked the formal start, with teams aiming to set early momentum in their groups.

Day 3 and 4: June 14 to 20, 2023, a window that coincided with Spain competing in the Nations League Final Four, adding a layer of scheduling drama for a few groups.

Days 5 and 6: September 7 to 12, 2023, pushing teams into important autumn fixtures that would influence standings and playoff potential.

Days 7 and 8: October 12 to 17, 2023, continuing the circular rhythm of fixtures that test depth and consistency across squads.

Days 9 and 10: November 16 to 21, 2023, the final round of competitive matches in the qualifying phase before the playoff decisions and seedings are clarified.

*In the Spanish group, there are only five teams, so the schedule includes eight playing days and two rest days to accommodate the smaller format while maintaining fair competition.

Euro 2024 qualifying round: how it works

The qualifying phase for Euro 2024 is organized into ten groups. Three groups contain five teams while the other seven hold six teams. Each group aims to crown two direct qualifiers, and the remaining three teams in each group advance through playoff routes, determined by results in earlier rounds and performance in the Nations Leagues and playoffs across the continent.

These structures ensure a balanced approach where smaller nations have meaningful opportunities through playoffs while larger nations compete for straightforward direct slots. The system emphasizes consistency, form, and the ability to perform in both home and away settings across diverse venues and climates, reflecting the wide geographic spread of European football.

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