Britain and Ireland will jointly stage their most ambitious sporting event when UEFA EURO 2028 kicks off at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 9 June 2028, organisers confirmed during tonight’s official tournament launch.
The month-long championship concludes at Wembley Stadium on 9 July, with matches distributed across nine venues in eight cities throughout the four host nations.
Tournament officials unveiled the competition structure featuring 51 matches over 31 days, accommodating 24 national teams in what promises to be the most extensive European Championship to date.
More than three million tickets will go on sale, surpassing all previous EURO tournaments in accessibility for supporters.
The spectacular launch saw the tournament’s new brand identity revealed at precisely 20:28 tonight on Piccadilly Circus’s giant screens, with simultaneous displays illuminating landmarks across all host cities.
Independent analysis projects the tournament will deliver £3.6 billion in socio-economic returns for Britain and Ireland between 2028 and 2031, encompassing employment opportunities, regional development and international visitor spending.
Euro 2028 will receive £740million in funding
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The four host governments pledged collective funding of £740 million to guarantee world-class delivery and security arrangements across all venues.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared: “This tournament will bring fans from across Europe to iconic footballing cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, inspire the next generation to lace up their boots, and deliver billions in economic benefits.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney confirmed his government would contribute up to £73 million, with projected returns of approximately £270 million for Scotland alone.
The investment package incorporates £45 million designated for social impact initiatives, ensuring benefits reach communities beyond the immediate host cities.
The tournament format encompasses three daily kick-off times at 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 BST, with the final scheduled for 17:00 to maximise accessibility for families and younger supporters.
Unlike previous championships, the four host nations must secure qualification through traditional routes, though they would be guaranteed home fixtures throughout the group stage if successful.
England would commence their campaign at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium before relocating to Wembley for subsequent group matches.
Wales, Scotland and Ireland would contest all group fixtures at their respective national stadiums in Cardiff, Glasgow and Dublin.
Quarter-finals will be distributed between Wembley, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Glasgow’s Hampden Park and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, with both semi-finals returning to Wembley.
Belfast will host the qualifying draw on 6 December 2026, maintaining Northern Ireland’s involvement despite Casement Park’s withdrawal from the venue roster.
The championship will feature the most extensive community programme in EURO history, with social impact strategies designed to unite communities and promote positive transformation through sport and culture.
Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney expressed pride that Welsh supporters would experience their first major international tournament on home soil, calling it “a truly historic occasion that will unite communities, inspire future generations and showcase the very best of Welsh football and culture on the world stage.”
The programme will spotlight football inclusivity, celebrate community heroes and volunteers, whilst fostering a more diverse and sustainable sport at grassroots level.
Training and volunteering schemes will create employment pathways across all regions, with local businesses and suppliers positioned to benefit directly from tournament activities.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasised the tournament’s unifying power, stating: “Football is the universal language. It expresses passion, skill, courage, solidarity and respect better than any other, and it constantly reminds us that our differences are exactly what make our sport so beautiful.”
Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, pledged to deliver “the best-ever EURO”, describing it as “a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game – its passion and ability to bring people together.”
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham highlighted the positive community impact, whilst Scottish FA head Ian Maxwell spoke of inspiring “a new generation, young and old” and leaving a lasting legacy for Scotland.
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