Luxembourg are out of Euro 2024 contention – what’s next?

An unlucky, heartbreaking 2-0 loss in Tbilisi put an end to Luxembourg’s most successful qualifying campaign to date, in dramatic circumstances. In front of more than 300 travelling fans, the national team came close to equalising against the Caucasians, only for Gerson Rodrigues’ goal to be disallowed and a red card to be brandished to Maxime Chanot instead.

There was no way back for the Red Lions in the remainder of the game, but it did not erase the fond memories we were given by the players throughout the group stage of qualifications. For the first time since 1964, this was a campaign where the fans could finally dream about getting there. And although that final step still seems to be missing, this young group of players have already shown plenty of promise on their way to a 17-point tally in the first round, and a resilient battle against the Georgians in the play-offs.

After such encouraging signs, most supporters (many with a newfound interest in Luxembourgish football) will wonder when and where the national team will be next on show. For those hoping to see the Lions compete again, you will find all you need to know below.

The 2024 schedule

Unfortunately, competitive international matches will be in short supply for all the teams who missed out on the European Championship taking place in Germany from 14 June until 14 July. However, as part of the participating countries’ preparation for the tournament, they will be playing some final friendly games in the weeks leading up to the event. That is where Luxembourg will step in.

Continental powerhouse Belgium scheduled a friendly against Luxembourg in a Benelux Derby that will take place at Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels on 8 June, providing the away fans with a prime opportunity to see their team take on some of the world’s best players, at one of the closest venues for an international away day.

Many countries have already announced a second friendly game to be played in that same period in early-to-mid-June, but Luxembourg have so far only been known to take on the neighbouring Red Devils. Any updates on that front will likely be published by the FLF (the Luxembourg Football Federation) in due time.

A couple months after the conclusion of the Euros, in September, the 2024/25 edition of the UEFA Nations League will take place. In this competition, all UEFA member countries are divided into four leagues based on strength, with each league comprising of four-team groups. Luxembourg retained their place in League C in the last edition of the competition, which means they will once again be pushing for promotion to League B. Their opponents in the group will be Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Belarus.

As always, Nations League performances are crucial to secure a shot at redemption for teams who miss out on World Cup/European Championship qualification. For example, it was the Red Lions’ outstanding performances in last year’s Nations League that gave them the platform to be contesting for a ticket to Germany at the play-off rounds. Similarly, the current edition’s group winners will get a second chance to book a trip to World Cup 2026, to be played across Canada, the United States of America and Mexico.