The excitement is already building for the Next Euro Cup, officially known as the UEFA European Championship in 2028. Following the thrilling Euro 2024 hosted in Germany, football fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating the next edition. UEFA has confirmed that the 2028 tournament will be uniquely hosted by a combined bid from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, marking an exciting chapter in the competition’s history. This decision continues a trend seen in recent tournaments, with joint hosting becoming increasingly popular, as seen in four of the last seven editions since 2000.
After a competitive bidding process, UEFA selected the UK and Ireland to host Euro 2028. This decision came after other bids, including a potential Iberian partnership from Spain and Portugal, were withdrawn. UEFA expressed confidence that the UK and Ireland bid presented the strongest option to host the tournament in four years’ time, citing the region’s passion for football and excellent infrastructure.
Euro 2028 Host Nations and Stadium Locations
The next Euro cup will be a truly collaborative effort, with matches taking place across all four nations of the United Kingdom – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – as well as in the Republic of Ireland. While the detailed match schedule and specific stadium allocations are still to be finalized, it’s confirmed that the majority of the games will be held in England, with six of the ten chosen venues located there.
England has a rich history of hosting major football tournaments, famously hosting the 1966 FIFA World Cup and Euro ’96. Wembley Stadium, an iconic venue, also hosted the final of the delayed Euro 2020, which was held across multiple European cities. This experience, combined with the passionate football cultures of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, promises a fantastic atmosphere for Euro 2028.
Euro 2028 Dates: When to Mark Your Calendars
Football enthusiasts planning for the next Euro cup can expect the tournament to maintain its traditional scheduling in June and July. The official and exact dates for Euro 2028 are anticipated to be announced by UEFA by the end of 2026. Fans should keep an eye out for these announcements to start making their plans to follow their favorite national teams.
Euro 2028 Stadiums: Venues Across the UK and Ireland
Organizers have already confirmed the ten stadiums that will host matches during Euro 2028, featuring a mix of iconic national stadiums and modern Premier League grounds. Each of Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland will utilize their national team’s home stadium. Northern Ireland’s venue will be Casement Park in Belfast, which is currently undergoing redevelopment to meet tournament standards. Notably, Everton’s new stadium in Liverpool, expected to be completed by 2025, is also included in the list.
| Stadium | Location | Capacity | Main Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wembley Stadium | London, England | 90,652 | England National Team |
| Millennium Stadium (Principality Stadium) | Cardiff, Wales | 73,952 | Wales National Team & Welsh Rugby Union |
| Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London, England | 62,322 | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Etihad Stadium | Manchester, England | 61,000 | Manchester City |
| Everton Stadium* | Liverpool, England | 52,888 | Everton |
| St. James’ Park | Newcastle, England | 52,305 | Newcastle United |
| Hampden Park | Glasgow, Scotland | 52,032 | Scotland National Team |
| Aviva Stadium | Dublin, Republic of Ireland | 51,711 | Republic of Ireland National Team |
| Villa Park | Birmingham, England | 42,460 | Aston Villa |
| Casement Park** | Belfast, Northern Ireland | 30,000 | Antrim GAA |
* To be newly built/completed by 2025
** To be redeveloped
Euro 2028 Qualification: Who Will Compete?
The next Euro cup in 2028 will maintain the expanded format of 24 teams competing in the main tournament, a format that has been in place since Euro 2016. As of now, it remains uncertain whether any or all of the host nations will receive automatic qualification spots. Due to the joint hosting arrangement involving five nations, there is a strong possibility that none will be guaranteed a place, making the qualification process even more competitive for these teams. Football fans should stay tuned for updates from UEFA regarding the qualification pathways for Euro 2028.
In conclusion, Euro 2028 promises to be a spectacular event, hosted across the UK and Ireland. With world-class stadiums and passionate football fans, the next Euro cup is set to be another memorable chapter in European Championship history.
