The competition is approaching and the teams are preparing for the most anticipated event in continental football. The balance in the six groups promises exciting challenges right from the group stage, but attention is already turned to the round of 16. Who will be able to access this crucial phase of the tournament?
The 6 groups
GROUP A
Germany 0
Scotland 0
Hungary 0
Switzerland 0
GROUP B
Spain 0
Croatia 0
Italy 0
Albania 0
GROUP C
Slovenia 0
Denmark 0
Serbia 0
England 0
GROUP D
Poland 0
Netherlands 0
Austria 0
France 0
GROUP E
Belgium 0
Slovakia 0
Romania 0
Ukraine 0
GROUP F
Türkiye 0
Georgia 0
Portugal 0
Czech Republic 0
The group stage will determine the best 16 teams that will make up the draw for the round of 16, with particular attention to the four best third-placed teams. The latter will be selected from the six total based on specific criteria, including points, goal difference and fair play conduct.
At the top of the draw, the first place in Group B (probably Spain according to the bookmakers) will face one of the best third-placed teams from groups A, D, E or F. This will be followed by a clash between the first in Group A (with Germany as favourites) and the second in Group C (potentially Denmark or Serbia).
Portugal, favorites in Group F, will face one of the best third-placed teams from groups A, B or C. Another interesting match-up will see the second place in Group D (probably the Netherlands) against the second place in Group E (which could be Slovakia).
Lower part of the board
The bottom half of the draw starts with the first team from Group E (favourite Belgium) against one of the best third teams from groups A, B, C or D. Immediately below, France, favorites in Group D, will face the second in Group F (possibly Turkey, Georgia or the Czech Republic).
England, first in Group C, will play against one of the best third teams in Groups D, E or F. The last round of 16 will pit the runners-up from Group A against the runners-up from Group B, with teams such as Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland, Croatia, Albania or Italy in play.
Qualification criteria for the best third-place teams
To determine the four best third-placed teams, various criteria are considered:
- Greater number of points
- Better goal difference
- Highest number of goals scored
- Most wins
- Better fair play conduct
- Better position in the qualifying rankings
Possible clashes in the round of 16
- First Group B vs Third Group A/D/E/F
- First Group A vs Second Group C
- First Group F vs Third Group A/B/C
- Second Group D vs Second Group E
- First Group E vs Third Group A/B/C/D
- First Group D vs Second Group F
- First Group C vs Third Group D/E/F
- Second Group A vs Second Group B
Italy and its path
Italy, in case of first place in its group, will face one of the best third-placed teams, increasing its chances of advancing further. If the Azzurri qualify as runners-up, they will have to face the second place in Group A, presumably Germany, in a much tougher challenge.
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