Notable figures from the worlds of politics and soccer were set to attend the opening match of the European Championship on Friday.
Host nation Germany plays Scotland in the tournament curtainraiser at Allianz Arena in Munich.
The fluttering of 64 kilometers (40 miles) of orange bunting and a hammer driving a nail into a wall to hold up orange tarps are the sounds of a Dutch summer of soccer in a normally drab suburban street in The Hague.
The sound of bagpipes, and men in kilts on the streets of Munich — Scotland is in town and the excitement is ramping up ahead of the European Championship curtainraiser on Friday.
Move over, Paul the octopus. There’s a new big-hitter in the world of soccer soothsayers.
And this one is going for a win for Germany to open the European Championship.
With patriotic songs broadcast and thousands of exiled Ukrainians in the stadium, the men’s national team was made to feel at home at its first training in Germany for the European Championship.
A guide to everything you need to know about the European Championship in Germany:
When does it start?The Euros kick off on Friday when host Germany plays Scotland at the Munich Football Arena (better known as the Allianz Arena for Bayern Munich games).
Clashes between weapon-wielding fans. Organized fights between hundreds of supporters. Late-night attacks. Life-threatening injuries.
A recent surge in violence around soccer games is contributing to concerns over security when Germany hosts the European Championship.
Bite-sized bliss. The currywurst is considered a fast-food delicacy in Germany, and a perfect treat before a game.
UEFA has confirmed that soccer fans from across Europe will find this savory German invention on offer at stadiums throughout the country during the European Championship, which kicks off on Friday.
Six years ago, Ilkay Gündogan’s place on the German national team was in question over a photograph with Turkey’s president. Now he’s the team captain.