UEFA has officially confirmed the full schedule and host venues for Euro 2028, with Cardiff’s Principality Stadium hosting the opening match and London’s Wembley Stadium selected for the semi-finals and final. The highly anticipated tournament will take place across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, running from June 9, 2028, to July 9, 2028.
Euro 2028 will feature 24 teams competing in 51 matches across nine stadiums in four nations. The tournament is expected to attract millions of fans and deliver an estimated £3.6 billion in socio-economic benefits for the UK and Ireland.
The opening game will be played at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, while Wembley Stadium in London will host both semi-finals and the final. This marks the third time Wembley will stage a European Championship final, following 1996 and 2021.
UEFA has also introduced a new kick-off time of 5 pm for the Euro 2028 final to enhance fan accessibility and global viewership.
Euro 2028 Key Tournament Details
- Tournament Name: UEFA Euro 2028
- Host Nations: England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland
- Number of Teams: 24 national teams will compete
- Number of Matches: A total of 51 matches will be played
- Opening Match Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Final Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- Tournament Dates: From June 9, 2028, to July 9, 2028
- Kick-off Times: Matches will kick off at 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm
- UEFA President: Aleksander Ceferin
- Projected Economic Impact: Estimated at £3.6 billion across the UK and Ireland
- Total Investment: Around £740 million jointly contributed by the UK, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish governments
Host Stadiums and Capacities
| Stadium | City | Capacity | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wembley Stadium | London | 86,000 | Semi-finals & Final |
| Principality Stadium | Cardiff | 73,000 | Opening Game & Quarter-final |
| Aviva Stadium | Dublin | 50,000 | Quarter-final |
| Hampden Park | Glasgow | 51,000 | Quarter-final |
| Etihad Stadium | Manchester | 58,000 | Group Matches |
| Villa Park | Birmingham | 48,000 | Group Matches |
| Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London | 60,000 | Group & Round of 16 |
| Hill Dickinson Stadium | Liverpool | 50,000 | Group Matches |
| St James’ Park | Newcastle | 50,000 | Group Matches |
Government Contributions
- United Kingdom: £557 million
- Republic of Ireland: £78.9 million
- Scotland: £73 million
- Wales: £30 million
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized the importance of unity and passion in football, stating that Euro 2028 will be “a festival of emotions” and a true reflection of European football’s diversity. He noted that the new 5 pm kick-off time is part of UEFA’s goal to enhance the fan experience both in stadiums and around the world.
“Football is the universal language,” Ceferin said. “At Euro 2028, we will all speak football – loud, clear, and united.”
Tournament Highlights and Host Nation Plans
All host nations – England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland – will play their group stage matches in front of home fans if they qualify directly. England’s first group match will take place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, followed by two matches at Wembley.
Wales will feature at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow, and Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
For the first time, all four host nations must qualify through the standard qualification process, though UEFA will reserve two spots if fewer than two host nations qualify automatically.
Euro 2028 is expected to provide a significant economic boost to all host nations. Governments across the UK and Ireland are collectively investing £740 million to upgrade facilities, enhance infrastructure, and support tourism.
The Football Association of Wales described the tournament as a “historic occasion” that will showcase the nation’s passion and culture. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said:
“This will be the first time our fans experience a major international tournament on home soil. It’s a truly historic occasion that will unite communities and inspire future generations.”
Schedule Highlights
- Opening Match: June 9, 2028 – Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Round of 16: June 24–27 – Hosted across all venues except Wembley
- Quarter-finals: June 30–July 1 – Dublin, Glasgow, Cardiff, Wembley
- Semi-finals: July 4 & 5 – Wembley Stadium, London
- Final: July 9, 2028 – Wembley Stadium, London
FAQs
1. When will Euro 2028 take place?
Euro 2028 will be held from June 9 to July 9, 2028 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
2. Which stadium will host the Euro 2028 final?
The final will be played at Wembley Stadium in London, which will also host both semi-finals.
3. Where will the opening match be held?
The opening game will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
4. How many teams will compete in Euro 2028?
A total of 24 national teams will compete in the tournament.
5. What are the kick-off times for Euro 2028?
UEFA has confirmed 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm as the official kick-off times, with the final scheduled for 5 pm.
6. Will all host nations automatically qualify?
No, all four host nations must qualify through the standard process, though UEFA has reserved two fallback spots if necessary.