Euro 2024 Finals Draw: France and Spain Handed Tough Paths
The draw for next summer’s Euro 2024 finals in Germany took place on Saturday, with France and Spain facing difficult paths to the knockout stages.
France, who won the World Cup in 2018 and were runners-up in 2022, will play in Group D against the Netherlands, Austria, and the winners of Playoff A. Meanwhile, Spain, winners of the tournament in 2008 and 2012, were drawn in Group B alongside reigning champions Italy, World Cup semifinalists Croatia, and Albania.
England, still seeking their first major men’s title since 1966, were drawn in Group C alongside Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia. As for the hosts, Germany were drawn in Group A and will face Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland in the tournament opener.
A total of 21 teams have already qualified for the tournament, with three places still up for grabs through a playoff tournament to be played in March.
Euro 2024 will be hosted in Germany between June 14 and July 14, with the final scheduled to be staged at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
UEFA also announced the prize money for Euro 2024, with the winner set to collect an extra payout of €8 million ($8.70m) on top of their participation fee of €9.25m. Teams will also receive match bonuses for wins and draws, as well as further rewards for progressing to the round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals.
“The amount for distribution to the participating teams is confirmed at the same level as for … Euro 2020, i.e. a total of €331m,” UEFA said. “The maximum amount that the champion team may achieve, if they will have won all three of their group matches, is €28.25m.”
The tournament promises to be an exciting and competitive event, with the stage now set for some thrilling contests as the teams prepare to battle it out for the title of Euro 2024 champions.