Who could book their place in the second set of matches at Euro 2024? We run through all six groups and set out the permutations.
The group stage at Euro 2024 is starting to take shape after the first round of matches.
So who could book their progress in the second set of matches? And who has work to do? We run through all six groups and set out the permutations.
The top two teams in each group go through to the round of 16, along with the four best runners-up. The third-placed scenarios can be found at the bottom of the article.
This article will be updated after each group stage fixture.
NB: As there has been only one draw in the group stage, there is a highly unlikely scenario where five groups could have three teams on six points. It means that at least at the start of matchday 2, getting to six points doesn’t necessarily secure qualification straight away — though it may well come through the results in other groups as the matchday develops. Indeed, a draw between Croatia and Albania in the first game on Wednesday would change all the permutations and guarantee that six points takes a team through.
TIEBREAKERS:
If teams are equal on points, they will be separated by the following criteria.
1. Head-to-head points
2. Head-to-head goal difference
3. Head-to-head goals scored
If three teams are level on points, a mini-league is created only involving the results of the matches between the teams in question.
4. If after applying stages 1-3 some teams are still level, it is reapplied just to those teams. For instance, England, Slovenia and Serbia are level on points; after applying 1-3 England are first but Slovenia and Serbia cannot be separated in the three-team mini-league. The direct head-to-head between Slovenia and Serbia would determine second place.
If teams still cannot be separated, the following are applied:
5. Group goal difference
6. Group goals scored
7. Penalty shootout, if the two teams are playing each other on the final matchday
8. If they don’t play each other, lower disciplinary points (1pt yellow, 3pts red via two yellows, 3pts direct red, 4pts yellow followed by direct red)
9. European Qualifiers overall ranking, unless Germany are involved. If Germany are involved, then it would be a random drawing of lots.
