Euro 2028 to Kick Off in Cardiff with Major Matches Across UK and Ireland
Cardiff will host the opening match of Euro 2028, with the semi-finals and final set to take place at Wembley Stadium in London.
The tournament will feature nine venues across four host nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, accommodating a total of 24 teams.
Although matches were initially planned for Northern Ireland, Belfast's Casement Park has been removed from consideration due to funding issues.
Uefa confirmed the decision to stage the first game in Cardiff as the tournament was officially launched on Wednesday.
Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, remarked, "This will mark the first time that 'The Red Wall'—our passionate Wales fans—will experience a major international tournament on home soil. It’s a truly historic occasion that will unite communities, inspire future generations, and showcase the very best of Welsh football and culture on the world stage."
Unlike previous European Championships, host nations will need to qualify for Euro 2028. However, they will be guaranteed to play their group matches on home ground if they qualify directly.
The four host nations will be placed in separate qualifying groups, with two additional spots allocated to the highest-ranked teams from among those that do not qualify through their respective routes.
The quarter-finals will take place at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, Dublin's Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow, and Wembley, which also served as a semi-final and final venue in 1996 and for the postponed 2020 edition.
If the England team qualifies directly, their opening group game will be held at the Etihad Stadium before moving to Wembley. The Etihad is one of five other stadiums being used in England, alongside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Villa Park, Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, and St James' Park in Newcastle.
The qualifying draw is scheduled for December 6, 2026, in Belfast.
At the launch event, Debbie Hewitt, chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, pledged to deliver the "best ever" European Championship, stating, "It will be a tournament for the fans, celebrating everything we love about the game—its passion and its ability to bring people together."
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin added, "The host nations, where the game first took shape, are eager to welcome millions of fans into legendary stadiums, providing the right stage for a festival of emotions."
Tournament Expected to Generate Billions in Economic Benefits
The UK government has announced a £557 million investment to host Euro 2028, anticipating a return of £3.2 billion through job creation, regional growth, and benefits from international visitors.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated, "Euro 2028 will be the largest sporting event ever co-hosted by the UK and Ireland. As a lifelong football fan, I understand how significant international competitions like this are. This tournament will bring fans from across Europe to iconic football cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, inspire the next generation of players, and deliver substantial economic benefits."
With an average stadium capacity of nearly 60,000, Uefa expects record attendance at the European Championship finals.
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association, emphasized the positive impact the tournament will have on communities throughout the country.
David Courell, chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Our incredible fans are known for their passion, and we look forward to providing them, along with the hundreds of thousands visiting Ireland for the tournament, with an unforgettable experience."
Ian Maxwell, head of the Scottish Football Association, noted, "We often discuss the power of football and its impact across Scotland, far beyond the pitch. I am confident that co-hosting Euro 2028 will inspire a new generation, both young and old, and leave a legacy we can all be proud of."
Scotland's Tantalizing Prospect of Co-hosting Euro 2028
After years of missing out on major tournaments, Scotland has a second chance to compete in a European Championship on home soil, which presents an exciting opportunity.
The first opportunity came during the pandemic-delayed Euro 2020, which ended in disappointment with losses to the Czech Republic and Croatia. The atmosphere at Hampden Park was subdued due to social distancing measures.
However, sold-out crowds in Glasgow would create a vastly different experience. With qualification still pending for Euro 2028, the two reserved spots for host countries provide a safety net for the four home nations. This is an incredible opportunity for Scotland.
The chant "No Scotland, no party" is well-known among fans. With six matches scheduled at Hampden, it would be unthinkable for Scotland not to seize the opportunity and play a significant role in the tournament.