The qualifiers are divided into 9 groups, of which 8 groups are 6 teams and the last group is 5 teams. * * * In France, 24 teams have advanced to the European Cup, and the 20 16 European Cup is also the first European Cup expanded to 24 teams.
According to the second paragraph of Article 2 1 of UEFA Official Order Book, the host country France will participate in this qualifier, but the match with the opponents in the same group is a friendly match, and no matter whether the game wins or loses, it will not be counted in the group points. Platini had previously explained the changes in the rules of the European Cup qualifiers. This is because it was difficult for the host to arrange a friendly match before, so this time they decided to let the host participate in the qualifiers and play as a friendly match. Platini also said that France will enter a group with only five teams, namely Group I..
According to the rules of the qualifiers, 9 teams are the first, 9 teams are the second, and the best team is the third. The remaining eight teams will be the third team, and the four winning teams will advance. Together with the host country France, 24 teams will participate in the 20 16 European Cup.
The schedule of 20 16 European Cup qualifiers has also changed. The qualifying match will be held in six days a week, instead of only on Friday and Tuesday as before. UEFA Secretary-General infantino said that this is good news for fans, broadcasters and national teams. Group A: Netherlands, Czech Republic, Turkey, Latvia, Iceland and Kazakhstan.
Group B: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Israel, Wales, Cyprus and Andorra.
Group C: Spain, Ukraine, Slovakia, Belarus, Macedonia and Luxembourg.
Group D: Germany, Ireland, Poland, Scotland, Georgia and Gibraltar.
Group E: England, Switzerland, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino.
Group F: Greece, Hungary, Romania, Finland, Northern Ireland and Faroe Islands.
Group G: Russia, Sweden, Austria, Montenegro, Moldova, Liechtenstein
Group H: Italy, Croatia, Norway, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan and Malta.
Group 1: Portugal, Denmark, Serbia, Armenia, Albania and France (the score of the host country is not included in the standings).