As Euro 2024 approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the action in Germany. With the tournament’s unique structure, understanding how teams progress from the group stage to the knockout rounds is crucial.
The group stage operates on a straightforward points system. Teams earn three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. This system determines the initial rankings within each group.
But what happens when teams are tied on points? The first tiebreaker is the head-to-head record. If two or more teams have the same points, the results of matches between those teams will decide their standings. This means direct encounters are critical in the group stage.
If head-to-head records don’t resolve the tie, goal difference comes into play. This involves subtracting goals conceded from goals scored. The team with the higher goal difference ranks higher. Following goal difference, the total number of goals scored is considered.
Should teams remain inseparable after these criteria, the next factors are the number of wins and disciplinary records (yellow and red cards). These measures ensure fair play impacts the rankings.
In an extraordinary situation where teams are still tied, a penalty shootout will determine their final rankings, but this is a last resort.

The top two teams from each of the six groups automatically advance to the knockout stages. Additionally, the four best third-placed teams also move forward. These third-placed teams are chosen based on points, goal difference, and goals scored. This format, introduced in Euro 2016, ensures a competitive edge throughout the group stage.
Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14, 2024, and the group stage concludes on June 26. The knockout phase begins on June 29, leading up to the final on July 14.
Here are the groups for Euro 2024:
- Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
- Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
- Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
- Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
- Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
- Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic
Fans can expect intense matches as teams battle not just for wins but also to maximize their goal tallies and maintain discipline on the pitch. With the stakes high, every match matters, and the journey to the knockout rounds promises to be thrilling.