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The group stage of Euro 2024 is merely the appetiser; the knockout phase is where the real drama unfolds.
With the expanded format in the knockout stage, 16 teams will battle it out in single-elimination matches, culminating in the grand finale at Berlin's Olympiastadion.
Here, GOAL brings you a breakdown of the knockout bracket format and what awaits us in this exciting tournament.
What is the Euro 2024 route to the final?
Once the group stage ends, the following are the steps to the final of the competition:
Round of 16: The top two teams from each of the six groups automatically qualify for this stage. To fill out the remaining slots, a battle for the "best third-placed" teams ensues. The four third-placed teams with the most points and best goal difference progress, leaving a total of 16 teams vying for the trophy.
The match-ups are predetermined based on group stage finishes, with group winners facing runners-up from different groups.
Quarter-finals: The eight winners from the Round of 16 progress to this stage, with the pairings determined by the results of the previous round. Winners from one half of the bracket will face winners from the other half, ensuring a diverse range of potential match-ups.
Semi-finals: The four surviving teams enter a nerve-wracking battle for a coveted spot in the final. Here, the pressure reaches a fever pitch, as teams strategize and fight for a chance to play for the ultimate prize.
Final: The pinnacle of the tournament, where two teams battle it out to be crowned Euro 2024 champions. This winner-takes-all clash promises an unforgettable spectacle, filled with passionate fans and world-class football.
The knockout stage of Euro 2024 began with the round of 16, from June 29 onwards.
GettyWhat are the knockout brackets in Euro 2024?
Since there were four teams each in a group and six groups in total, 36 matches were played in the group stage. Match 37 was the first knockout fixture.
Round of 16
| Match Number | Date | Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | June 29 | Germany 2-0 Denmark |
| 38 | June 29 | Switzerland 2-0 Italy |
| 39 | June 30 | Spain 4-1 Georgia |
| 40 | June 30 | England 2-1 Slovakia |
| 41 | July 1 | Portugal 0-0 (3-0 on penalties) Slovenia |
| 42 | July 1 | France 1-0 Belgium |
| 43 | July 2 | Romania 0-3 Netherlands |
| 44 | July 2 | Austria 1-2 Turkey |
Quarter-finals
| Match Number | Date | Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | July 5 | Spain 2-1 Germany |
| 46 | July 5 | Portugal 0-0 (3-5 on penalties) France |
| 47 | July 6 | Netherlands 2-1 Turkey |
| 48 | July 6 | England 1-1 (5-3 on penalties) Switzerland |
Semi-finals
| Match Number | Date | Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| 49 | July 9 | Spain 2-1 France |
| 50 | July 10 | Netherlands 1-2 England |
Final
| Match Number | Date | Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | July 14 | Spain 2-1 England |
The exact match-ups are now known following the conclusion of the group stage. Keep an eye on your favourite team's progress and potential opponents as the tournament progresses.