With the excitement of recent European Championship still in the air, football fans are already looking forward to Uefa Euro 2028. The tournament, set to be hosted across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, promises to be another thrilling chapter in European football history. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far about UEFA Euro 2028.
Host Nations and Venues for EURO 2028
UEFA EURO 2028 will be co-hosted by five football associations across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. This joint bid, officially confirmed by the UEFA Executive Committee on October 10, 2023, brings the tournament to England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Ten world-class stadiums have been selected to host the matches, ensuring a wide geographical spread and fantastic fan experiences. These venues include iconic locations such as Wembley Stadium in London, Scotland’s national stadium Hampden Park in Glasgow, the modern Dublin Arena, and the impressive National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff. Anticipation is already building, with approximately three million tickets expected to be available, offering a huge number of fans the chance to witness top-level international football.
EURO 2028 Dates: Mark Your Calendars
While the precise match schedule is still to be finalized, the provisional dates for UEFA EURO 2028 have been set for June 9 to July 9, 2028. Fans should mark this period in their calendars to ensure they don’t miss any of the action. As the tournament approaches, keep an eye out for the official schedule release to plan your viewing and potential travel arrangements.
Tournament Format: Familiar and Exciting
The format for UEFA EURO 2028 will be familiar to fans who have followed recent editions of the tournament. Continuing the successful structure implemented at UEFA EURO 2016 and beyond, 24 national teams will compete for the coveted title. The competition begins with a group stage, featuring six groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the round of 16, joined by the four best third-placed teams from across all groups. From the round of 16 onwards, the tournament progresses to a knockout format, guaranteeing high-stakes and dramatic encounters as teams battle their way to the final.
Qualifying for EURO 2028: The Road to the Finals
A new and streamlined qualifying format will be in place for EURO 2028. Teams will be drawn into 12 groups, consisting of either four or five nations. The qualifying journey will see teams play each other in home and away fixtures within their respective groups. This qualifying group stage is scheduled to take place between March and November 2027.
The pathway to UEFA EURO 2028 qualification is clear: group winners will secure direct qualification to the tournament finals. Runners-up in each group will have a secondary opportunity to qualify, either directly depending on the number of groups, or through participation in play-off matches. These play-off matches will involve teams from the UEFA Nations League and are scheduled for March 2028, adding another layer of excitement and competition to the qualification process.
Get ready for UEFA EURO 2028, promising a month of thrilling football action across the UK and Republic of Ireland!
