Euro 2028: Hosts, Venues, and the Pan-UK-Ireland Bid

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Euro 2028 is set to unfold across ten venues spread across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, showcasing a continent-wide celebration of football that brings together fans from coast to coast. The event is framed as a chance to highlight stadiums with storied pasts and modern facilities, while delivering a festival atmosphere for supporters, volunteers, and local communities alike.

Britain and Ireland emerged early as frontrunners to host Euro 2028 after the continent’s attention turned away from the 2030 World Cup allocation, which ultimately went to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The opening match is anticipated to be staged at a historic venue in Cardiff, with Wembley Stadium in London positioned as the grand finale arena, underscoring both the ceremonial start and the dramatic conclusion of the tournament.

The lineup of confirmed and likely venues reflects a blend of iconic football landmarks and purpose-built stadiums. Hampden Park in Glasgow, Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Casement Park in Belfast, and Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool are among the key candidates alongside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, St. James Park in Newcastle, and Villa Park in Birmingham. Each site is chosen for its capacity, atmosphere, and readiness to host international fixtures at the highest standard, ensuring fans enjoy accessible travel options and a vibrant matchday experience across multiple cities.

While Turkey had lodged a bid to host Euro 2028 and 2032, it withdrew from the 2028 contest after UEFA confirmed Turkey’s ambitions for the 2032 edition. A shortlist of roughly twenty stadiums has been drafted, and ten hosts will be selected by October 2026, with five venues representing each prospective country on the final list. The bid landscape features Italy and Turkey as the two main contenders for the 2032 tournament, reflecting a broader strategy to distribute the tournament across multiple nations within the region.

➡️ CONFIRMED: Euro 2028 will take place in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The organizers and stakeholders are outlining potential locations across Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, Liverpool, London (two venues), Manchester, and Newcastle, emphasizing a truly multi-city event that will engage diverse communities and economies across the British Isles. This arrangement promises a route map for fans, with convenient rail and air connections designed to maximize attendance and accessibility.

— UEFA has publicly celebrated the joint hosting arrangement, signaling a new era of collaboration that leverages the strengths of multiple host cities while maintaining a compact schedule for players and teams. The public messaging highlights the inclusive spirit of the tournament and the opportunity for fans to experience several historic venues within a single championship cycle.

Although Turkey hosted the UEFA Champions League final in 2023, it has not previously staged a major international tournament. By contrast, Italy has a rich history in European football, having hosted the European Championships in 1968 and 1980. The significance of these past events remains a talking point as organizers align infrastructure, hospitality, and security plans for Euro 2028, ensuring a seamless competition that honors tradition while embracing contemporary standards of excellence on and off the pitch.

In summary, Euro 2028 is framed as a collaborative, pan-regional edition designed to showcase top-tier football, regional pride, and the enduring appeal of the European Championship experience. The host cities are preparing to deliver memorable matches, fan experiences, and a lasting legacy for the communities involved.

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