Explore our detailed guide to Euro 2024's group stages, with predictions and team analysis for each match.
Kicking Off the Quest: A Comprehensive Guide to the Group Stages of Euro 2024
The top two teams from each of the six groups will make their way into the Round of 16, and each of the group winners will be kept apart at the stage. Those 12 automatically qualified teams will be joined by the four best runners-up from the group stage as well.
But who are likely to be the teams making their way through to the round of 16? Here is a quick Euros Cup predictions guide to the group stage.
Group A - Germany, Hungary, Scotland, Switzerland
Germany remain firm 1.50 odds-on favourites to win Group A. The three-time winners have struggled at recent major tournaments, and changed managers as recently as last September.
But Germany are on home soil at Euro 2024, so the extra motivation and support from that, should really give them a good boost. The race behind them for an automatic qualification place looks tight.
Switzerland and Hungary have been inseparable in the To Qualify market for Group A. That leaves Scotland as the big group of outsiders around at 2.00 simply to get to the next phase.
Predicted Finishing Order: Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Scotland
Group B - Spain, Italy, Croatia, Albania
This is a fascinating group with three strong teams being joined by big outsiders Albania. Italy are the reigning European Champions, but are only 3.00 second-favourites To Win Group B behind Spain.
Spain and Italy should both be challenged by Croatia, who are still a dangerous team on their day and can’t be written off. Perhaps the most interesting thing to ponder from this group is whether all three will make it to the Round of 16 or not. The Croatia v Italy match in the final round of the group stage fixture is likely to be a huge pressure match.
Predicted Finishing Order: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Group C - England, Denmark, Serbia, Slovenia
England are one of the big tournament favourites, so are naturally the pick To Win Group C. The draw looks good for them and England will hope to get off to a strong start against Serbia.
There’s very little between Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia for the second spot in Group C. Denmark and Slovenia were in the same qualification group to reach Euro 2024 and they finished level on points.
So Slovenia could be one of the big dark horses to automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while Serbia are the lowest-seed team in the section and have the most work to do.
Predicted Finishing Order: England, Denmark, Slovenia, Serbia
Group D - France, Netherlands, Poland, Austria
The French should take one of the two automatic qualification spots, and the Netherlands are favourites to qualify behind them. The Netherlands finished four points behind France in the Euro 2024 qualification group having been beaten by them twice.
The interesting variable in Group D is Austria who did a very good job during qualifying, pushing Belgium hard in a tight race for the top spot, while comfortably holding off Sweden. Austria are 3.50 to make the Round of 16.
Predicted Finishing Order: France, Netherlands, Austria, Poland
Group E - Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Belgium have a very favourable draw at Euro 2024 in Group E and should win this section at a canter. Ukraine came through the play-off path to reach Euro 2024, but they could spring a surprise in this one.
Ukraine took draws against England and Italy during qualification and while they lack a goalscoring threat, can make life difficult for the other group members, despite Romania and Hungary both being qualification group winners.
Predicted Finishing Order: Belgium, Ukraine, Slovakia, Romania
Group F - Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic and Georgia
Portugal’s chances at Euro 2024 will be bolstered by this group draw. They look head and shoulders above the rest in Group F so should comfortably book a Round of 16 spot. Turkey topped their qualification group ahead of Croatia in a big surprise.
That makes them first favourites to finish in a projected top two in this section with Portugal. The Czech Republic finished second to Albania in their qualification group and Georgia are making their European Championship debut. A best third-placed finisher looks unlikely to come from this group.
Predicted Finishing Order: Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic, Georgia
