The qualifying campaign for the 2024 European Championship started in March. Eight months on, and we’re closing in on our line-up for the final tournament.
The international break often isn’t all that popular, with club football grinding to a halt. Nonetheless, the next two weeks ought to serve up plenty of excitement from around the continent.
Here is the situation from every Euro 2024 qualifying group.
Group A
Unfortunately, there is little left to play for in Group A. Spain and Scotland have already secured their place at Euro 2024, Georgia are guaranteed a play-off spot, and Cyprus have been eliminated.
Norway can still grab a play-off place, but they are relying on results elsewhere. Spain and Scotland will battle it out for top spot, with the winner likely being seeded in the draw.
The one-time world champions face Cyprus and Georgia, knowing that six points will see them remain at the summit. Any slip-ups and Steve Clarke’s men can capitalise with results over Georgia and Norway.
Group B
Technically, there is still one qualifying spot left open in Group B. However, it would take a minor miracle for Greece to dislodge Netherlands from the top two.
Ronald Koeman’s side need just three points from their remaining two outings to qualify. They face Republic of Ireland at home, before finishing with a trip to Gibraltar.
If they somehow fail to do this, Greece would need to win against France to overtake them. Last year’s World Cup finalists have won all six of their qualifying games, scoring 13 while conceding just one.
Elsewhere in Group B, Ireland could land in the play-offs, but would need several results to go their way. Gibraltar have been eliminated.
Group C
When the groups were drawn, many had their eyes on Group C, with the Euro 2020 finalists set to face off again. Going into the final round of fixtures, second place is still in the balance.
England have qualified in top spot and are now playing for seeding. They face Malta and North Macedonia, who have both been knocked out.
But the main event comes between Ukraine and Italy. Ukraine are three points ahead of Italy, although the Azzurri have a game in hand. The pair will play each other on November 20.
If Italy beat North Macedonia before then, they will head into the game needing just a draw. If they drop points, Ukraine will have the upper hand. It should be a fascinating match.
Group D
With three teams fighting it out for one qualifying spot, Group D is certainly one to watch out for.
Turkey have already qualified, and Latvia have been eliminated, leaving Wales, Croatia, and Armenia to battle it out for second place.
Wales know that wins against Armenia and Turkey will send them to Germany. However, they took zero points from the reverse fixtures.
Any dropped points will allow Croatia the opportunity to leapfrog them. They face Latvia and Armenia, needing to better Wales’ results.
Meanwhile, Armenia also remain in with a slight chance of progressing. The Havakakan know that wins over Wales and Croatia will see them through, but anything less will probably knock them out.
Group E
Group E has the most up for grabs, as all five teams still have something to play for. Not only that, but it could also provide an amazing underdog story.
Moldova are ranked 157th in the world – only Andorra, Malta, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein and San Marino rank lower in Europe. And yet, they head into their final two fixtures with a fighting chance.
They will play Czech Republic and Albania. Six points will guarantee qualification, while three could be enough.
Albania will qualify if they avoid defeat to Moldova. If not, they will progress with a victory against Faroe Islands.
Czechia’s fate is in their own hands, as they currently occupy second place. A loss against Poland, however, will leave them needing a win in their final game against Moldova.
Poland visit Czechia in their final game, and anything less than a victory will leave them outside the automatic qualification spots. If they miss out, they would likely get a play-off place.
As for Faroe Islands, automatic qualification is completely out of their reach, but they could finish in the play-offs if results go their way.
Group F
Group F doesn’t quite have as much drama going for it. The top two spots are already settled, with Belgium and Austria progressing.
Azerbaijan and Estonia have some hope of qualifying for the play-offs, but Sweden will miss out.
The Red Devils will secure top spot with three points against Azerbaijan. If they fail to win, Austria could overtake them with a victory over Estonia.
Group G
Hungary and Serbia are in a favourable position heading into the international break.
The Magyars need just one more point from their remaining two, while Serbia know that a draw against bottom-of-the-table Bulgaria will be enough to take them through.
On the off chance that either of them slip up, Montenegro could capitalise with six points. They play already-eliminated Lithuania at home, before a trip to Budapest to face Hungary in their final outing.
Despite taking just two points from six games, Bulgaria could still qualify via the play-offs.
Group H
Group H is an interesting one. Northern Ireland and San Marino have been eliminated, while Finland have advanced to the play-offs.
That leaves Slovenia, Denmark and Kazakhstan competing for the top two positions.
Slovenia and Denmark both need one win from their final two to progress. They will face each other on November 17, with the winner securing top spot.
Slovenia then play Kazakhstan at home, while Denmark travel to Northern Ireland.
Kazakhstan remain in with a chance of qualifying automatically, but it is out of their hands. Nonetheless, they will be looking to take maximum points from their fixtures against San Marino and Slovenia.
Group I
Over the next two weeks, four teams will compete for two automatic qualification places in Group I.
Romania are top of the group as it stands, but their final two fixtures are tough. They face Israel away, before finishing with a clash against Switzerland.
Switzerland sit in second, four points ahead of third-placed Israel. The two will go against each other on November 15 in a game that could prove decisive.
Afterwards, Switzerland face Kosovo and Romania, while Israel play Romania and Andorra.
Kosovo need maximum points from their games against Switzerland and Belarus to keep their bleak hopes alive. Belarus and Andorra have been knocked out.
Group J
Portugal have been the dominant force in Group J, winning all eight outings with a goal difference of +30.
Roberto Martinez’s side will look to put the finishing touches on a comfortable campaign with victories over Liechtenstein and Iceland.
Slovakia are almost certain to claim second place. They require just one point from their outings against Iceland and Bosnia & Herzegovina to book their tickets to Euro 2024.
Luxembourg and Iceland both remain with a vague chance of a top-two spot, but both would need maximum points.
Bosnia & Herzegovina will participate in the play-offs, while Liechtenstein have been eliminated.
