Principality Stadium will officially stage Euro 2028 matches after the UK and Ireland were confirmed as hosts of the tournament by UEFA on Tuesday (October 10).
The UK and Ireland's bid was unopposed after Turkey withdrew to focus on a joint bid for the 2032 Euros alongside Italy and on Tuesday morning UEFA’s executive committee gave its official seal of approval for the nations to host the tournament.
The joint bid was put forward back in April and sees the footballing associations of England (FA), Scotland (SFA), Wales (FAW), Northern Ireland (IFA) and the Republic of Ireland (FAI) join together.
Ten stadiums across the five nations will host the Euro 2028 matches, with analysts projecting a three billion euro (£2.6bn) boost to the host nation economies on the back of the tournament.
🇬🇧➕🇮🇪 CONFIRMED: #EURO2028 will take place in the UK and Republic of Ireland!
— UEFA (@UEFA) October 10, 2023
Proposed venues include Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, Liverpool, London (x2) Manchester and Newcastle.
Congratulations to our confirmed hosts! pic.twitter.com/elnLbjWgam
Principality Stadium is among those 10 venues and First Minister Mark Drakefors said it was an exciting opportunity for Wales to play host to such a big event.
Mr Drakeford said: “Wales has built a strong global reputation for successfully hosting major sporting events, while reaching the finals of three major men’s football tournaments since 2016.
“Football is at the heart of our sporting ambitions – whether that’s hosting the Champions League Final in 2017 or proudly sending Wales to its first FIFA World Cup finals for more than 60 years.
He added: "Today’s news is the next exciting opportunity for us to showcase what Wales has to offer."
“Securing EURO 2028 is another milestone for Welsh sport and I’m confident the UK and Ireland will host the best UEFA EURO ever.”
Principality Stadium to host Euro 2028 matches under a different name
While Principality Stadium will be hosting Euro 2028 matches, it will be under a different name - the National Stadium of Wales.
The name change will only be in place for the Euro 2028 tournament due to UEFA's rules over sponsorship.
Fantastic news! UEFA Euros 2028 is coming to the National Stadium of Wales@Cymru @FAWales @UKGovWales pic.twitter.com/zh96MF5yOf
— Principality Stadium (@principalitysta) October 10, 2023
Wales is hoping to stage as many as six matches at the National Stadium of Wales with Football Association of Wales chief executive, Noel Mooney adding Cardiff could be in line to stage the opening game of the tournament.
The 10 stadiums in the UK and Ireland set to host Euro 2028 matches are:
- Wembley Stadium, London
- Tottenham Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Manchester City's Etihad Stadium
- National Stadium of Wales
- Everton Stadium
- Dublin Arena
- Casement Park, Belfast
- Hampden Park, Glasgow
- Villa Park, Birmingham
- St James' Park, Newcastle
While the National Stadium of Wales may hold the first match of Euro 2028, Wembley Stadium looks set to host the final – and potentially both semi-finals.
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