The football world is buzzing with excitement as UEFA has officially named the hosts for the highly anticipated UEFA EURO 2028. A joint bid from England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales has been successful, meaning the prestigious tournament will be heading to the UK and Ireland in 2028. Simultaneously, UEFA also announced the hosts for EURO 2032, which will be jointly held by Italy and Türkiye.
The official announcement ceremony was held at UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, marking a significant moment for European football. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I would like to congratulate the bidders and host associations, whose dedication, hard work and commitment have been duly recognised today. Together, we will create unforgettable editions of this great tournament that will unite us and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship.”
The Bidding Process and Successful Joint Bids
For EURO 2028, the joint bid from the five football associations across the UK and Ireland stood out, showcasing a united front to bring the tournament to their nations. This collaborative effort demonstrated a strong commitment and a compelling vision for hosting a memorable European Championship.
Similarly, the bidding process for EURO 2032 saw an interesting turn of events. Initially, both Italy and Türkiye presented individual bids. However, recognizing the strength in unity, they decided to combine their efforts and present a joint bid. This strategic move proved successful, securing them the honor of co-hosting EURO 2032. The presentations delivered by all bidding parties were a crucial part of the selection process, allowing UEFA to carefully assess the merits of each bid before reaching a final decision.
EURO 2024 Tickets on Sale
While the focus is now turning towards the future tournaments, football fans can immediately engage with the upcoming EURO 2024 in Germany. Over 1.2 million tickets for UEFA EURO 2024 are currently available for purchase, offering fans the chance to be part of the action. With more than 80% of the total 2.7 million tickets allocated for fans and the general public, there’s a fantastic opportunity to witness top-level European football firsthand. Tickets start at an accessible price of just €30, and the initial application period is open until 26 October. Following the closure of this period, tickets will be allocated through a lottery system, ensuring fair distribution.
An additional million tickets will be made available later, working closely with national associations to cater to supporters of the participating teams after the final tournament draw on December 2nd. Furthermore, tickets will be reserved for fans of national teams that qualify through the UEFA EURO 2024 play-offs, scheduled for March 21st and 26th, 2024.
A Look Back at EURO Hosts
The tradition of the European Championship has a rich history, showcasing iconic host nations across the continent. From France in 1960 to Germany in 2024, and now the UK and Ireland in 2028 and Italy and Türkiye in 2032, the tournament continues to traverse Europe, uniting fans and celebrating football.
Past EURO Host Nations:
1960: France
1964: Spain
1968: Italy
1972: Belgium
1976: Yugoslavia
1980: Italy
1984: France
1988: West Germany
1992: Sweden
1996: England
2000: Belgium and Netherlands
2004: Portugal
2008: Austria and Switzerland
2012: Poland and Ukraine
2016: France
2020: Pan-Europe (Azerbaijan, Denmark, England, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Spain)
2024: Germany
2028: England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales
2032: Italy, Türkiye
The upcoming EURO 2028 in the UK and Ireland promises to be another memorable chapter in this storied tournament, bringing world-class football to passionate fans across the region.
