The Euro 2024 draw is set to unfold in the picturesque port city of Hamburg on Saturday.
France, England, and other top contenders will discover the potential path to continental glory next summer.
The Elbe Philharmonic Hall, with its stunning view of the river winding through Germany's second-largest city, will be the venue for the draw. This event kicks off the official countdown to the European Championship, scheduled from June 14 to July 14.
While sub-zero winter temperatures grip the city, the draw captures the attention of football enthusiasts across the continent, even though top-flight club football is currently dominating discussions. The draw, taking place over six months before the tournament, signals the commencement of preparations for the 20 nations that have qualified so far, alongside hosts Germany.
Noteworthy teams like last year's World Cup finalists France, England, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, and hosts Germany find themselves in the first pot of seeds. The spotlight is on France and England, with their recent stellar performances and a deep pool of talent, making them stand out as favorites. England faces the pressure to surpass their runner-up finish in the 2021 Euros, where they lost the final on penalties to Italy at Wembley.
In contrast, Germany is grappling with on-field challenges, having lost six of their last 11 games. Despite the recent coaching change from Hansi Flick to Julian Nagelsmann, the team acknowledges an extensive rebuilding process.
The draw includes potential threats outside the first pot, with the Netherlands in pot three and reigning champion Italy in pot four. Italy, having secured qualification in a nerve-wracking draw with Ukraine, aims to defend their title in Germany.
The tournament's format eases some tension, allowing four of the best third-placed teams among the six groups to advance to the last 16. The play-offs in March will determine the last three berths, featuring teams like Poland, Wales, Ukraine, and Euro 2004 winners Greece.
Despite concerns about Germany's host nation form, football enthusiasts anticipate a return to the classic format of a Euro staged in one country. Unlike Euro 2020, this edition promises unrestricted travel and full attendance, creating an atmosphere for fans to revel in.
With matches spread across 10 host cities, from Berlin to Hamburg, Munich, and Dortmund, Germany aims to recapture the magic of the 2006 World Cup's "summer fairy tale." The tournament will kick off with Germany playing in Munich on June 14, with the final set to take place at Berlin's Olympiastadion a month later.
