UEFA Euro 2024, Groups, Format, Venues and Schedule: UEFA Euro 2024 kicks off in India in the early hours of June 15, as hosts Germany take on Scotland in the opening encounter. Germany is hosting a major international tournament for the first time since the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Defending champions Italy - who are drawn in what many have claimed is the 'Group of Death' with Spain and Croatia - start their campaign against minnows Albania on June 16. Kylian Mbappe's France are hot favourites, and begin their tournament on Austria on June 18, while his soon-to-be Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham begins his campaign with England a day earlier, against Serbia. And can Cristiano Ronaldo get his hands on a second European Championship? Portugal kick off against Czech Republic on June 19.