Euro 2028 Schedule and Venues Unveiled for UK and Ireland Tournament: Dates, Host Cities, and Format Detailed
The much-anticipated Euro 2028 tournament schedule has been released. The event will take place across the UK and Ireland, featuring 24 teams. The tournament will kick off on June 9, 2028, and conclude with the final match on July 9, 2028, at Wembley Stadium in London.
Host Cities and Venues
The Euro 2028 tournament will be held in nine venues across four host nations. Here’s the breakdown of the host cities and the number of matches scheduled at each venue:
- Wembley Stadium (London) – 8 matches
- Principality Stadium (Cardiff) – 6 matches
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London) – 5 matches
- Etihad Stadium (Manchester) – 5 matches
- Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool) – 5 matches
- St James’ Park (Newcastle) – 5 matches
- Villa Park (Birmingham) – 4 matches
- Hampden Park (Glasgow) – 6 matches
- Aviva Stadium (Dublin) – 7 matches
Opening Matches and Group Stage
Wales is positioned to play the opening game at the Principality Stadium. England may begin their tournament at the Etihad Stadium if they qualify. The complete group stage schedule is as follows:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 9 | A1 vs A2 | Principality Stadium, Cardiff |
| June 10 | B1 vs B2 | Etihad Stadium, Manchester |
| June 10 | A3 vs A4 | Hampden Park, Glasgow |
| June 10 | B3 vs B4 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
| June 11 | Continued Matches | Various |
Qualification for Host Nations
While the four host nations—England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland—will not be automatically qualified, they have designated slots for the draw if they qualify. The qualification system allows for variations based on the performance of these nations in the preliminary rounds.
Impact of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland will not serve as a host for Euro 2028 due to funding issues for the redevelopment of Casement Park. The UK’s decision in September 2024 was influenced by rising costs and timeline concerns.
Expectations for the Tournament
The Euro 2028 will mark one of the largest European tournaments in history, with over three million tickets available for fans. The competition aims to create a festive atmosphere, celebrating the passion of football.
Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt emphasized the collaborative effort with UEFA and local partners to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin echoed this sentiment, inviting millions to celebrate in the historic venues of the host nations.
