UK Unite: Celebrate the Launch of UEFA EURO 2028 Soccer Tournament
UEFA EURO 2028 has been officially unveiled, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for soccer in the UK and Ireland. This tournament promises to be the largest ever jointly hosted by these nations, with great community benefits and millions of match tickets available for fans worldwide.
Launch Celebration and Tournament Overview
Celebration events for UEFA EURO 2028 took place simultaneously across many cities in the UK and Ireland. More than three million tickets will be up for grabs, making this the most accessible EURO tournament in history.
Match Schedule Highlights
The tournament is set to kick off on Friday, June 9, 2028, at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff. The final match will occur on Sunday, July 9, 2028, at Wembley Stadium in London, starting at 5 PM BST.
- Total Matches: 51 matches over 31 days
- Teams Competing: 24 teams
- Notable Matches:
- Opening match in Cardiff
- Final and semi-finals at Wembley Stadium
- Quarter-finals across various venues in Ireland and Scotland
- Kick-off Times: Matches at 2 PM, 5 PM, and 8 PM BST
Community and Economic Impact
A comprehensive assessment anticipates that UEFA EURO 2028 will generate approximately £3.6 billion (€4.1 billion) in socio-economic benefits from 2028 to 2031. This will include job creation, increased regional prosperity, and additional spending from international visitors.
The UK, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish governments are prepared to invest up to £740 million (€840 million) to ensure safe and secure tournament delivery. This investment will encompass a dedicated £45 million (€51 million) social impact fund aimed at extending benefits beyond the tournament’s duration.
Community Engagement and Participation
UEFA EURO 2028 will introduce the largest community program in the history of UEFA EURO tournaments. Local stakeholders in each host nation will develop plans to harness sport’s unifying power.
This initiative aims to inspire positive change, foster inclusivity, and support the development of local football communities.
Upcoming Key Events
The UEFA EURO 2028 Qualifying Draw is scheduled for December 6, 2026, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, further showcasing the region’s commitment to the tournament’s success.
Quotes from Key Figures
Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, emphasized the importance of this milestone for football in the region. “It will be a tournament for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the game,” she stated.
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English FA, expressed excitement about the tournament’s potential positive impact on communities, noting that it would be the biggest men’s EURO yet.
According to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, “At UEFA EURO 2028, football will be the universal language that brings everyone together.”
With its historic venues and enthusiastic fanbase, UEFA EURO 2028 is set to be an unforgettable summer of football, promising lasting community benefits and a vibrant festival atmosphere.
