The 2016 European soccer championships begin Friday, as 24 teams compete for continental supremacy and the Henri Delaunay Trophy. The field has expanded from 16 to 24 teams this year, with several nations making their Euro debut, while the Netherlands are missing their second major tournament since the turn of the century. Here are my picks for how the group stage will play out.

Group A

France are hosting the European championships for the third time, and will be favorites to win; they did clinch the title in 1984, the last time they hosted. They’re paired with Switzerland, Romania, and Albania, the latter making their first ever major tournament – Euros or World Cup. The most interesting battle here, and across all groups, is who finishes second, as all the group winners runners-up make the Round of 16, but four second-place teams will join them. Switzerland may have enough experience to edge Romania for second place here. Prediction: France, Switzerland, Romania, Albania

Group B

England are hoping to put a poor 2014 World Cup behind them as they are paired with Russia, Slovakia, and Wales. The Russians boast several veterans from the 2008 squad that made the semifinals, but that age could prove a negative for them. Wales’ major question is how well the team can perform should Gareth Bale play poorly, while Slovakia might struggle overall, particularly if the stars on the other three teams are all 100 percent. Prediction: England, Wales, Russia, Slovakia

Group C

It’s Germany’s turn to do what Spain accomplished several years ago: hold the World Cup and European titles at the same time. The Germans are heavily favored against Northern Ireland, Poland, and Ukraine, with the Green & White Army making their Euro debut. This stage might prove to be a bit too much for them, but for the two co-hosts from 2012, they have realistic expectations of reaching the knockout round. Ukraine & Poland will meet in the final group match on June 21 in Marseille, which should provide a fantastic atmosphere. Prediction: Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Northern Ireland

Group D

This group brings back memories of Euro 2008, starting with the fact that it was Spain’s win in this competition eight years ago that started their domination of the world game that continued for over five years. But the matches to watch will be Turkey’s first and last group games; they were seconds away from going out in the 2008 quarterfinals to Croatia before a Semih Sentürk goal forced penalties. The match prior, they scored three goals in the final 15 minutes to prevail in a winner-take-all match against the Czech Republic. If Turkey’s matches here against those two are half as good as they were eight years ago, fans are still in for a treat. Prediction: Spain, Turkey, Croatia, Czech Republic

Group E

Belgium are currently the top-ranked team in Europe, second in the world only behind Argentina, but will miss several key contributors because of injuries. This is likely the final international tournament for both Gianluigi Buffon and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and while Italy has a lot of depth, Sweden’s fortunes depend largely on Ibrahimovic, who has put up good performances in past Euro performances. Ireland look to be outmatched by all three of its counterparts, and will struggle throughout group play. Prediction: Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Ireland

Group F

As long as Cristiano Ronaldo plays with the style that has made him a household name, Portugal are firm favorites to top the group. The big wild card here is Hungary; not many analysts are giving them a chance, but if the Modern Magyars draw their opening match with Austria and win over Iceland, they may clinch a spot in the last 16 prior to meeting Portugal. Austria’s only previous Euros appearance was 2008, when they co-hosted, but this nation has greatly improved since then. For Iceland, it will be a great learning experience, but nothing more than that in all likelihood. Prediction: Portugal, Hungary, Austria, Iceland

Group winners: France, England, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Portugal

Group runners-up: Switzerland, Wales, Ukraine, Turkey, Italy, Hungary

Four best third-place teams: Croatia, Austria, Russia, Sweden