Which teams have booked their spots at Euro 2024: contenders, dark horses, history-makers

The race to qualify for Euro 2024 through to the group stage is set to conclude in November. Twenty-four teams will compete in next summer's event in Germany, with the hosts automatically qualifying. 

Twenty of the 24 teams will secure direct qualification by finishing as the top two in their respective qualification groups. The remaining three spots will be determined through playoff games with the top-performing teams in the 2022-23 Nations League. 

Here are some of the essential details on the tournament's progress and the 19 teams that have already booked their spots.

After a hard-fought battle on Monday night, European champions Italy secured their place to defend their title at Euro 2024 with a 0-0 draw against Ukraine in Leverkusen. Italy entered the match aware that avoiding defeat would be enough for them to progress, while Ukraine needed a victory to secure qualification. 

The goalless draw proved to be enough for Italy, preventing them from experiencing the disappointment of missing out on another tournament, as they did with both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, despite their triumph in Euro 2020. Meanwhile, Ukraine's hopes for qualification now rely on the play-offs scheduled for March.

England's place in Euro 2024 has been secured after their victory over Italy on October 17, which ensured their top spot in the group. It is worth highlighting that the Three Lions reached the final of the previous Euro, only to be defeated by Italy. This loss will undoubtedly fuel their determination to rectify the outcome and clinch a major trophy, a feat they have not accomplished since their historic victory in 1966.

France, a two-time European champion and the runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, comfortably navigated their way through their group to secure qualification for Euro 2024. Having hosted the tournament in 2016, where they suffered a defeat in the final against Portugal, Les Bleus have been managed by Didier Deschamps since 2012. With the exceptional talent of Kylian Mbappe leading their star-studded squad, France will undoubtedly be considered one of the frontrunners to lift the trophy in Germany.

Belgium secured their spot at Euro 2024 early on, effortlessly progressing through their group. The Red Devils reached the quarterfinals in the previous two Euros but faced disappointment in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Under the guidance of Domenico Tedesco, Belgium's squad has undergone some changes, with the absence of several players from their renowned "Golden Generation." Nevertheless, they are still expected to be strong contenders in Germany and will carry the weight of those expectations.

Portugal's path to Euro 2024 was confirmed in October, as they dominated every team in their group under the leadership of their new coach Roberto Martínez. Having emerged victorious in the tournament back in 2016, Portugal are anticipated to be formidable contenders once again, boasting a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably their greatest ever talisman, is expected to make his sixth Euro appearance in Germany.

Portugal's neighboring country Spain also breezed through their group, overwhelming opponents like Scotland and Erling Haaland's Norway. As three-time European champions, Spain are determined to compensate for a relatively quiet period, as they have not clinched a major tournament victory since 2012. With three Euro titles under their belt, Spain currently share the record with Germany. However, they will be aiming to secure a record-breaking fourth triumph in the upcoming tournament.

The Netherlands, a former European champion, secured their spot in the finals with a victory at home against the Republic of Ireland. Ronald Koeman, who previously won the tournament as a player in 1988, is currently serving his second term as the coach of the Dutch team.

Under his guidance, the side reached the final of the 2019 Nations League and claimed third place in the same competition this year. With the influential presence of Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, anchoring their defense, the Netherlands will undoubtedly pose a challenge next summer.

After a lengthy 44-year absence from the Euro, Hungary have managed to qualify for their third consecutive tournament. Their qualification was sealed with a 2-2 draw against Bulgaria, which pushed them over the line. In the previous Euro, they had found themselves at the bottom of a challenging "Group of Death" that included France, Germany, and Portugal. 

However, with the emergence of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, Hungary possesses the potential to surprise as one of the tournament's dark horses.

Meanwhile, in a historic achievement, Serbia have qualified for their first ever Euro as an independent nation. The tension-filled 2-2 draw against Bulgaria at home secured their spot in the tournament. With a fearsome squad featuring talented players such as Dusan Vlahovic, Dusan Tadic, and Luka Jovic, Serbia will enter the competition with a genuine desire to make a significant impact.

In addition to the aforementioned teams, Albania have also earned a spot in the tournament, marking only their second appearance in the Euro, following a 1-1 draw against Moldova. Furthermore, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Türkiye have all secured their tickets to Germany.