The UEFA European Championship, also known as the Euro, is one of the biggest football (soccer) tournaments in the world. It brings together the best national teams from across Europe to compete for the title. One of the most important parts of the tournament is the standings, which show how teams are performing in the group stage.
In this article, we’ll explain what the UEFA Euro standings are, how they work, how teams qualify, and what happens after the group stage. Whether you’re new to the tournament or just want a quick refresher, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
What Are UEFA Euro Standings?
UEFA Euro standings are the rankings of national teams during the group stage of the tournament. Each group has four teams, and they play matches against each other to earn points.
How the Standings Are Calculated
The standings are based on points earned in matches:
- Win = 3 points
- Draw = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
At the end of the group stage, the teams with the most points are ranked higher.
What Happens If Teams Are Tied?
If two or more teams have the same number of points, UEFA uses tie-breaker rules. These include:
- Head-to-head results (who won between those teams)
- Goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded)
- Goals scored
- Fair play points (fewer yellow and red cards)
- Drawing of lots (random draw, rarely needed)
Group Stage Format
The UEFA Euro tournament usually has 24 teams, split into 6 groups (A to F). Each group has 4 teams.
Match Schedule in the Group Stage
Every team plays three matches in the group stage:
- One match against each of the other three teams in the group.
At the end of these matches, the top two teams from each group move on to the Round of 16. Also, the four best third-placed teams from all six groups also qualify for the next round.
Example: How Standings Look in a Group
Let’s say this is Group A after all group matches:
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 9 |
| Switzerland | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Turkey | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Wales | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
In this example:
- Italy finishes first and moves on.
- Switzerland also qualifies.
- Turkey might qualify as one of the best third-place teams.
- Wales is eliminated.
Why Standings Matter
Standings are important because they decide:
- Who goes to the knockout rounds (Round of 16, Quarter-finals, etc.)
- Who plays who in the next round
- Which teams are eliminated
So every match matters, even for the teams in third place.
How Do Teams Qualify for the UEFA Euro?
Before the tournament starts, teams must qualify through UEFA Euro qualifiers, which are held over the two years before the tournament.
Qualifying Groups
- Teams are divided into qualifying groups.
- They play home and away matches within the group.
- The top teams in each group automatically qualify for the Euro tournament.
Playoffs
Teams that didn’t qualify directly may still have a chance through the playoffs, based on their performance in the UEFA Nations League. These are knockout matches held before the final tournament.
What Happens After the Group Stage?
Once the group stage is over and the standings are final, the top 16 teams move into the knockout rounds.
Knockout Round Matches:
- Round of 16
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Final
From the Round of 16 onwards, each match is a do-or-die game. If the match is a draw after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time, and if needed, a penalty shootout.
UEFA Euro 2024 Standings (Example Preview)
Let’s take a quick look at what fans are expecting for UEFA Euro 2024, which will be hosted in Germany.
Group Predictions (Example)
These are not final but show how strong teams might perform:
Group A
- Germany
- Scotland
- Hungary
- Switzerland
Group B
- Spain
- Croatia
- Italy
- Albania
Group C
- England
- Denmark
- Serbia
- Slovenia
As matches begin, these group standings will constantly update. Fans can check live standings on UEFA’s official site or sports apps.
Where to Check UEFA Euro Standings
You can keep track of the UEFA Euro standings through:
- UEFA.com (official site)
- ESPN, BBC Sport, or Sky Sports
- Football apps like OneFootball or SofaScore
- Google search: “Euro 2024 standings”
These platforms show:
- Live points tables
- Match schedules
- Team stats
- Player performances
Popular Teams to Watch
Some teams often perform well in the Euros and are fan favorites:
France
- Strong squad with top players.
- Won the World Cup in 2018 and were runners-up in Euro 2016.
Germany
- Host nation in 2024.
- Always a tough competitor with multiple Euro and World Cup wins.
Italy
- Euro 2020 champions.
- Known for strong defense and team play.
England
- Full of talent and always exciting.
- Runners-up in Euro 2020.
Players to Watch in Euro 2024
Kylian Mbappé (France)
One of the world’s fastest and most skilled forwards.
Jude Bellingham (England)
A young star already shining in top European clubs.
Toni Kroos (Germany)
Veteran midfielder returning for one last tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Possibly his final Euro. A living legend of football.
Fun Facts About UEFA Euro
- The first UEFA Euro was held in 1960.
- Spain and Germany have each won the tournament three times – more than any other nation.
- The tournament happens every four years.
- UEFA stands for Union of European Football Associations.
Tips for Enjoying the UEFA Euro
- Watch with Friends: It’s more fun to cheer with others!
- Follow the Standings Daily: Matches can quickly change the table.
- Support an Underdog: Surprise teams often win hearts.
- Join a Fantasy League: Pick your dream team and compete with others.
- Try Snacks from Different Countries: Make it a cultural football feast.
Final Thoughts
The UEFA Euro is not just about winning—it’s about pride, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re cheering for your home country or just love the game, the Euro standings are a great way to track the excitement.