In an exciting development for football fans across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, the two nations are set to be officially announced as hosts for the 2028 European Championships. The announcement is scheduled to take place at a UEFA meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday.
This decision comes after Turkey withdrew from the process, merging their Euro 2032 bid with Italy. As a result, the UK and Republic of Ireland’s joint bid now stands unopposed, pending official approval by UEFA.
The joint statement released by the national associations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland expressed their enthusiasm about the upcoming tournament. “These are exciting times, and we have a very compelling Euro 2028 proposal for UEFA,” the statement read. “Our bid will be groundbreaking for the men’s Euros and will deliver lasting legacies across the whole of the UK and Ireland.”
The matches during the 2028 tournament are slated to be held at ten different venues, showcasing the rich footballing heritage of the host nations. The list includes renowned stadiums such as:
- Wembley Stadium (London) – Capacity: 90,652
- Principality Stadium (Cardiff) – Capacity: 73,952
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London) – Capacity: 62,322
- Etihad Stadium (Manchester) – Capacity: 61,000
- Everton Stadium (Liverpool) – Capacity: 52,679
- St James’ Park (Newcastle) – Capacity: 52,305
- Villa Park (Birmingham) – Capacity: 52,190
- Hampden Park (Glasgow) – Capacity: 52,032
- Aviva Stadium (Dublin) – Capacity: 51,711
- Casement Park (Belfast) – Capacity: 34,500
This event marks a historic moment for the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, as they have never hosted a major international football tournament. England, a veteran host, previously held the Euro 2020 matches and was the sole host of the 1966 World Cup and Euro 96. They also hosted the record-breaking Women’s European Championships in 2022.
Wembley Stadium in London, with a staggering capacity of 90,652, is expected to host the final in 2028. This event will serve as a significant test for the venue following the disorderly scenes during the Euro 2020 final. A review of the incident revealed potential life-threatening situations due to the behaviour of some attendees.
This decision not only marks a victory for UK and Irish football but also represents a significant milestone for the sport in the region. Football enthusiasts can now look forward to the 2028 European Championships, set to be a memorable event with matches played in iconic stadiums, showcasing the passion and talent of the players and the unwavering spirit of the fans.
Kiki Garba.
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