Euro 2024 Play-Off Schedule, Teams, and Format: All You Need to Know
Euro 2024 is creeping up on the horizon, and this summer’s tournament promises to be an exciting showdown between 24 of the finest teams in Europe. The competition, organized by UEFA, will determine the Champions of Europe. However, only 21 countries are guaranteed a spot at the competition, which kicks off in Germany on June 14. The remaining three places will be determined by the play-offs, offering 12 teams who failed to secure their place via the conventional qualifying round the opportunity to still feature at the finals later this year.
Amongst the sides to have been thrown a Euro 2024 lifeline is Wales, who finished third in their qualifying group behind Turkey and Croatia. Rob Page’s men will be looking to compete in their third successive European Championships, joining already-qualified Scotland and much-fancied England.
How were the teams selected for the Euro 2024 play-offs?
The teams were selected based on their performances in the 2022/23 Nations League. Nominally, this would be the group winners of Leagues A, B, and C. However, if a team had already secured their place at Euro 2024 through the qualifying stage, their play-off spot was given to the next best-ranked team in their league. In the case of League A, where less than four teams entered the play-offs, the first available spot was handed to the highest-ranked group winner of League D, which turned out to be Estonia. The remaining places were allocated based on the best-ranked Nations League teams that had not already qualified. It is worth noting that group winners of Leagues A, B, and C cannot be placed in a play-off path with a nation from a higher league.
UEFA has faced criticism over the format, with some teams missing out despite finishing third in their qualifying groups, while Estonia, who finished bottom of their group, will still be part of the play-offs.
Which teams are involved in the Euro 2024 play-offs?
The 12 teams involved in the Euro 2024 play-offs are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Poland, Ukraine, and Wales.
How do the Euro 2024 play-offs work?
The 12 teams have been placed in three pathways: A, B, and C. Each pathway consists of four teams and includes two one-legged semi-finals and a final. The winners of the three finals will qualify for Euro 2024. In the semi-finals, the top-ranked team will be at home to the fourth-ranked side, while the second-ranked teams will have home advantage over the third-ranked nations. The hosts for the three finals were determined in November’s draw.
Euro 2024 play-off fixtures and dates
The play-offs will take place during March’s international break. The semi-finals will be held on Thursday, March 21, with the finals scheduled for Tuesday, March 26.
Path A:
– Semi-final: Poland vs Estonia
– Semi-final: Wales vs Finland
– Final: Wales/Finland vs Poland/Estonia
Path B:
– Semi-final: Israel vs Iceland
– Semi-final: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Ukraine
– Final: Bosnia-Herzegovina/Ukraine vs Israel/Iceland
Path C:
– Semi-final: Georgia vs Luxembourg
– Semi-final: Greece vs Kazakhstan
– Final: Georgia/Luxembourg vs Greece/Kazakhstan
Euro 2024 promises to be an exciting tournament, with the play-offs adding an extra element of drama and competition. Fans will be eagerly watching as these 12 teams battle it out for their chance to secure a spot at the finals later this year. Make sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for the thrilling matches that await us in March.