Cardiff has officially been selected to host the opening match of Euro 2028, while London’s iconic Wembley Stadium will stage both the semi-finals and the final. The announcement came as UEFA launched the tournament in London, confirming that nine venues across four nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland — will host the 24-team competition. Northern Ireland was originally included as a co-host, but Belfast’s Casement Park was removed from the list due to funding issues. UEFA’s decision marks a major milestone for Welsh football, as it will be the first time Wales hosts a match in a major international tournament. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney called it a historic moment for the country, saying the event will unite communities, inspire the next generation, and showcase Welsh football and culture on a global stage. Unlike past tournaments, host nations must qualify for Euro 2028, though they will be guaranteed to play group matches on home turf if they qualify directly. Each of the four host countries will be placed in separate qualifying groups. Two additional spots will be awarded to the highest-ranked of the host nations that fail to qualify through their group.
Euro 2028: Cardiff to Host Opening Match as UK and Ireland Prepare for Historic Tournament
The quarter-finals will be split among Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Glasgow’s Hampden Park, and London’s Wembley Stadium — which previously hosted the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020. England’s other stadiums in the lineup include Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Villa Park, Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, and St James’ Park in Newcastle. If England qualify directly, they are expected to play their opening group match at the Etihad before moving to Wembley for later stages. Last-16 fixtures will take place at all host venues except Wembley. The qualifying draw for Euro 2028 will be held in Belfast on 6 December 2026. Debbie Hewitt, chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, promised to deliver the “best ever” European Championship, describing it as a festival for fans that celebrates the unifying power of football. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin echoed that sentiment, noting that the tournament will return to the countries where the sport first took shape and provide a stage for unforgettable emotions.
The UK government has committed £557 million to host Euro 2028, anticipating a £3.2 billion return through job creation, regional growth, and tourism. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described it as the biggest sporting event ever jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland, saying it will inspire future generations and bring significant economic benefits. With an average stadium capacity of nearly 60,000, UEFA expects record attendance for the championship. Football leaders from across the host nations — including England, Ireland, and Scotland — have hailed the opportunity to strengthen football communities, inspire young players, and create a lasting legacy for the sport. For Scotland in particular, hosting matches at a full Hampden Park offers a chance for redemption after the disappointment of Euro 2020. With six matches scheduled in Glasgow, the Scottish FA believes Euro 2028 will bring unforgettable excitement and national pride.
source:BBC
