If isolating the qualifying round only, getting the Euro 2024 group winner predictions spot on might seem straightforward in most cases. But with the domestic fixtures now piling up, the division of loyalties between club and country may allow some surprise names to reach Germany as group winners.
There's also the fact that nine teams have qualified for the upcoming finals to consider. Some of the big European nations have already booked their tickets to Germany, including previous winners France, Portugal, Spain, along with Euro 2020 finalists England.
Yet, only one group has an outright winner heading into the final round of Euros qualifiers. Portugal have stormed Group J with eight successive wins and cannot be caught. As for the other groups, these are our picks to top the bill by the end of this month's international break.
Euro 2024 group winner predictions
Group A – Spain
Spain are locked in a two-way race for Group A’s top spot with Scotland. Both sides have 15 points from six matches, but La Roja lead the group thanks to a superior goal difference. Moreover, Luis de la Fuente’s side faces bottom sides Cyprus and Georgia in their next two games, As a result, Spain are in pole position to take six points and progress as group winners.
Group B – France
France qualified for their 10th successive Euros finals with a 2-1 win against the Netherlands in October. The victory put Les Blues six points clear of Oranje atop Group B. Didier Deschamps’ side now require just one point from upcoming clashes with Gibraltar and Greece to win their group. Even if under-strength with fringe names dominating the XI, France would be certain to beat Gibraltar at least.
Group C – England
England leads Group C by three points and with a game in hand over second-placed Ukraine. Therefore if the Three Lions notch a point at home against Malta on Thursday, they will cement their place as group victors. England have won all six previous head to heads against the Reds, and with 167 places separating them in FIFA’s rankings, it’s a mere formality.
Group D – Turkey
Unlike the first three groups here, this one should have a fair few twists. Firstly, Turkey will face a nervous wait for developments in Group D to unfold. Second and third-placed Wales and Croatia have 10 points each and have a game in hand over Turkey, who are top with 16 points.
The two group chasers play on Thursday, but Turkey are not in action until Tuesday when they face Wales away. Moreover, Croatia could also catch the Crescent Stars with games in hand over Latvia and Armenia, for which they will be overwhelming favourites.
Yet, with five wins and a draw from seven qualifying matches, Vincenzo Montella is well-placed to just about hold onto top spot.
Group E – Albania
Albania are on the cusp of reaching just their second Euros finals. The Red and Blacks are two points ahead of second-place Czech Republic with a better goal difference. Also, Albania will face European minnows Moldova and the Faroe Islands in their last two games. Sylvinho’s side simply needs four points from these matches to cap an impressive qualifying campaign.
Group F – Belgium
Belgium and Austria face off in a two-way race for the top spot in Group F. The Red Devils possess a one-point advantage over chasing Austria, and both sides have one match remaining. Yet, Domenico Tedesco’s side have a favourable home match against Azerbaijan to conclude proceedings in Group F.
Group G – Hungary
Unbeaten in six and with a game in hand over Serbia, Hungary are top of Group G. Even if second-placed Serbia beat bottom side Bulgaria in their final match, Hungary will have two chances to confirm their place atop Group G in matches against Bulgaria and Montenegro.
Group H – Denmark
Group H is set for a showdown between Slovenia and Denmark. The nations have 19 points each and Slovenia edge the Danes on goal difference. However, the teams face each other on Friday, in what is likely to be a straight shootout for first place. As the contest takes place at Parken, where Kasper Hjulmand’s side has won all four previous qualifiers, the Red and Whites will be confident of leapfrogging Slovenia and holding top spot.
Group I – Romania
Group I is also well poised for a tense three-way battle between current leaders Romania, Switzerland and Israel. All three can still win the group, owing to Israel’s two games in hand from the October qualifying rounds. Moreover, the three sides all face each other in the next two weeks and plenty of swings are expected.
Ultimately, the decider could be played out between Romania and Switzerland on the final matchday As it stands, Romania have a one-point lead to protect and a draw against Israel, and a home win over Switzerland would be enough for Edward Iordănescu’s side to win Group I.
See also: Tomorrow's football tips
Written by Alex Waite
