UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany was about more than just outstanding gameplay and unforgettable moments on the field. It served as a celebration of football's influence on society, breaking new records and igniting changes that reach well beyond the game itself.

In addition to the thrilling matches and lively atmosphere in the stadiums and fan zones, UEFA aimed to transform the approach to sustainable event hosting. This commitment is highlighted by the release of the UEFA EURO 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report, which was unveiled in Frankfurt on November 1st.

Driven by a mission of ambition, action, and accountability, the tournament sought to create a lasting legacy that goes well beyond the game. A strategic investment of €29.6 million allowed UEFA to carry out more than 120 sustainability initiatives, successfully meeting 95% of its pre-tournament goals.

The U.S. Women’s National Team returned to the top, claiming a record fifth Olympic gold medal with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal match held at Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10.

In her 100th appearance for the USWNT, forward Mallory Swanson netted the decisive goal, concluding an impressive six-game journey for the Americans in France. The USA maintained an undefeated record throughout the tournament, winning all six matches and adding the 2024 Olympic gold medal to their previous victories in 1996, 2004, 2008, and 2012.

In their third Olympic gold medal match against Brazil, the ninth-ranked Brazilian team started strong, with attacker Ludmila taking two threatening shots within the first 10 minutes. However, U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was ready for both attempts. Naeher also delivered an impressive reaction save on a stoppage-time deflection from Gabi Portilho, ensuring the score remained 0-0 as the teams headed to the locker room.

As the new Major League Soccer season kicks off in North America, all eyes are on Lionel Messi. The Argentinean captain, who led his country to a World Cup victory, made a significant impact when he joined David Beckham's Inter Miami club midway through the previous US football season. Messi's arrival instantly yielded positive outcomes for the team.

After enduring a streak of 10 winless games, the club finally achieved victory in the first match Lionel Messi played. To add to the excitement, Messi, a record-breaking eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, also led the team to their first trophy, the Leagues Cup. Alongside his former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Messi has had a transformative impact on the team within a matter of months. As Messi enters his first full campaign with the club in its fourth year of existence, Miami is now setting its sights on the ultimate prize: winning the first MLS Cup. The 29-team championship begins on February 22, with Miami hosting Salt Lake City at the DRK PNV Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

U.S. Women's National Team forward Mia Fishel will be replaced by Alex Morgan for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee sustained during training on February 19. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore expressed disappointment for Fishel's injury, acknowledging her hard work and impact during camp. Kilgore praised Fishel's growth mindset, eagerness to learn, and team-oriented attitude. Kilgore is confident that Fishel will make a strong comeback and potentially be part of the next World Cup. Fortunately, the team will benefit from the addition of Alex Morgan to the roster. Morgan, a forward for San Diego Wave FC, brings a wealth of experience and has been diligently preparing during preseason training. Kilgore expects Morgan to make a significant contribution to the tournament.

Morgan's remarkable career includes 215 caps and 121 international goals, ranking her 10th and fifth, respectively, in the history of the USWNT. Her participation in the Concacaf W Gold Cup will mark her 15th consecutive year representing the USA. Her most recent appearance was on October 29, 2023, in San Diego against Colombia.

For today's match against the Dominican Republic, Morgan will be included in the game roster at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, as the USA begins their tournament. According to the rules of the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, if a player is replaced due to injury, the replacement player must wear the same number as the player they are replacing. As a result, Morgan will wear the number seven jersey, which would have been worn by Fishel.

The U.S. Women's National Team will begin their 2024 campaign by facing the Dominican Republic in the group stage of the Concacaf W Gold Cup on Tuesday, February 20. The match will be held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with a kick-off time of 10:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. PT. Fans can watch the game in English on Paramount+ and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+.

In Group A, alongside Argentina and Mexico, the U.S. team will play all their group stage matches in Carson, California. They will face Argentina on February 23 (10:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. PT) and Mexico on February 26 (10:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. PT) to conclude the group stage.

The Concacaf W Gold Cup has emerged as the premier competition for Women's National Teams in the region, offering increased opportunities for competition and visibility. The 12-team lineup for the final tournament was confirmed on February 17th, as the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Puerto Rico emerged victorious in their Preliminary Round matches, securing their positions. The Dominican Republic secured a spot in Group A alongside the USA by defeating Guyana 1-0, while Puerto Rico caused an upset by defeating Haiti 1-0 and joining Group B. El Salvador secured their place in Group C by defeating Guatemala 3-1.

Germany has been selected to host the UEFA European Championship in 2024, marking the 17th edition of the tournament. The decision was made at a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Nyon on September 27, 2018. The only other nation bidding to host the event was Turkey. While West Germany hosted the 1988 edition, this will be the first time Germany has staged the UEFA European Championship since reunification. It is worth noting that Germany also hosted the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will take place from June 14 to July 14, 2024, and will feature matches in various cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dortmund, Leipzig, Gelsenkirchen, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf.

The UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament is set to happen from 14 June to 14 July 2024. Germany, being the host nation, is seeded in Group A and will hold position A1. Consequently, they will participate in the opening match at the Munich Football Arena on Friday, 14 June. Germany, or previously West Germany, has been present in every EURO tournament since 1972. West Germany emerged victorious in the 1972 and 1980 editions, while the reunified Germany claimed the title at EURO '96.

Out of the ten venues selected for the tournament, nine of them were previously used during the 2006 World Cup, along with the addition of the Düsseldorf Arena. Notably, the Munich Football Arena will be hosting matches for the second consecutive UEFA EURO tournament, as it was also one of the eleven arenas used during UEFA EURO 2020, which took place previously.