After the group stage matches are done and dusted, the round of 16 begins. The top 16 nations from all the groups participate in the first and exciting knockout stage. Basically, all the table toppers and the runner-ups compete in the upcoming matches.
The top four teams in the third place of the tables also compete, rounding up to a total of 16 teams. The third-place teams are determined based on their points, goal difference, goals scored and total number of wins. The knockout stages completely eliminate the losing teams and penalties dictate the winner if the matches come to a draw, even after 30 minutes of extra time.
The magic of the first knockout stage is that the selected teams are a step closer to victory, the spectators’ cheers start getting louder and the dream of winning the cup starts becoming real. With a surprising turn of events in the group stage, the 16 competing nations have been announced. Let’s dive right into the fixtures and predictions of the round of 16.
Euro 2024 Round of 16: Schedule and Locations
The action-promising knockout stage has emerged, and it’s brewing with excitement on the horizon. All the round of 16 matches will kick-off between June 29th to July 2nd. Viewers in the UK can stream the matches on BBC and ITV. The round of 16 stage will debut with an iconic match set between Switzerland and Italy and wrap up with Austria and Turkey. Let’s look at the schedule, shall we?
| Date | Fixture | Time (BST) | Stadium |
| Jun. 29 | Switzerland vs Italy | 5 PM | Olimpiastadion, Berlin |
| Jun. 29 | Germany vs Denmark | 8 PM | Westfalenstadion, Dortmund |
| Jun. 30 | England vs Slovakia | 5 PM | Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen |
| Jun. 30 | Spain vs Georgia | 8 PM | RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne |
| Jul. 1 | France vs Belgium | 5 PM | Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf |
| Jul. 1 | Portugal vs Slovenia | 8 PM | Waldstadion, Frankfurt |
| Jul. 2 | Romania vs Netherlands | 5 PM | Allianz Arena, Munich |
| Jul.2 | Austria vs Turkey | 8 PM | Red Bull Arena, Leipzig |
Euro 2024 Round of 16: Predictions
The intense battle of the group stage finally commenced. The 36 group matches have proved each team’s capabilities and the 16 selected nations are now set for the knockout encounters on German soil (or should we say grass?).
In this Euro, Austria played the black horse tag, shattering all odds, and clinched the top of the table D, even surpassing the footballing supergiants France. Ukraine created a heartbreaking milestone by becoming the first team in Euros history to be eliminated with 4 points! Not to forget all the drama in the group stage with own goals and last-minute equalisers that have truly set this European Championship apart.
If we look at the Euro 2020 round of 16, half of the matches reached the extra time of 30 minutes, while one match even reached the penalties. What remains to see is how entertaining the first knockout stage will be in this tournament. Spain’s incredible form and Germany’s tactical skills, combined with their performances in the group stage give these two teams an edge over the other nations.
The knockout opening clash between Switzerland and Italy is predicted to be an electrifying one. Switzerland’s brilliant performance this season has given them one victory and two draws with no losses and a whopping 5 points on the table. Defending champions Italy, on the other hand, has 4 points with one victory, one loss and one draw.
The remaining seven matches are also expected to be packed with a spine-tingling sense of excitement. A key clash between France and Belgium is also eagerly awaited as these are two of the nations that fall in the top 10 teams in the FIFA world rankings. Although neither has displayed an impressive performance in the group stage, the match outcome still remains abuzz among fans.
England’s performance is also being contemplated and questioned, yet they remain one of the tournament favourites among people. All eyes are also set on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether he’ll be able to lead Portugal to the quarterfinals, unlike the last Euros. Global fans are excitedly awaiting this stage as it promises to push the teams to either give a victorious performance or wave goodbye to the championship cup.