UEFA Euro 2028: Everything You Need to Know about the 2028 European Championship
The UEFA Euro 2024 has concluded, and football fans are already eagerly anticipating the next major international tournament: UEFA Euro 2028. Mark your calendars for 2028, as the best of European football will be showcased in a unique edition hosted across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. This prestigious event, 2028 Euro, promises to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
Host Nations and Venues for 2028 Euro
The 2028 Euro tournament will be jointly hosted by five football associations: England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This collaborative bid was officially approved by the UEFA Executive Committee on October 10, 2023, marking a historic moment for football in these nations. This widespread hosting arrangement will allow fans from across the UK and Ireland to experience the excitement of the 2028 Euro firsthand.
Ten world-class stadiums have been selected to host matches throughout the 2028 Euro competition. These venues represent some of the most iconic and modern football grounds in Europe, ensuring a fantastic atmosphere for players and spectators alike. Among the confirmed stadiums is Wembley Stadium in London, a legendary venue synonymous with major football finals.
Glasgow’s Hampden Park, Scotland’s national stadium with a rich footballing history, is also set to be a key venue for 2028 Euro matches. This stadium has hosted numerous significant international games and will bring its unique atmosphere to the tournament.
In the Republic of Ireland, the Dublin Arena, a modern and purpose-built football stadium, will welcome 2028 Euro fixtures. This stadium is known for its excellent facilities and passionate Irish fanbase.
Cardiff’s National Stadium of Wales, also known as the Principality Stadium, with its retractable roof and city-center location, completes the list of currently named host stadiums. This versatile venue has hosted major sporting events and concerts, and is prepared to deliver a memorable 2028 Euro experience.
With a total of ten stadiums across the five host nations, approximately three million tickets will be made available for fans to attend 2028 Euro matches. This high number of tickets reflects the anticipated popularity of the tournament and the commitment to making it accessible to a wide audience.
2028 Euro Tournament Dates and Schedule
While the exact dates are still to be officially confirmed, the provisional schedule for 2028 Euro points to the tournament taking place from June 9th to July 9th, 2028. This timeframe aligns with the typical summer scheduling of major international football tournaments, allowing for optimal playing conditions and maximizing fan engagement during the holiday period. Football enthusiasts should prepare for a month-long festival of football action during 2028 Euro.
2028 Euro Format and Qualification Pathways
The format of 2028 Euro will be familiar to fans who have followed recent European Championships. The tournament will retain the 24-team format introduced at UEFA Euro 2016, ensuring a high level of competition and exciting group stage dynamics.
Twenty-four national teams will compete in the 2028 Euro group stage, divided into six groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the round of 16, the first knockout stage of the tournament. Adding to the drama, the four best third-placed teams from across all groups will also qualify for the round of 16, creating intense competition for every point in the group stage.
From the round of 16 onwards, 2028 Euro will proceed as a straight knockout tournament. This means each match becomes a high-stakes encounter where only victory guarantees progression, culminating in the final match to determine the European Champion.
The qualification process for 2028 Euro is set to begin in March 2027 and conclude in November 2027. A new consolidated qualifying format will be implemented, featuring teams drawn into twelve groups. These groups will consist of either four or five teams, who will play each other in a traditional home-and-away format.
The winners of each qualifying group will secure direct qualification for 2028 Euro. The runners-up in each group will also have a pathway to the tournament, either through direct qualification depending on the number of direct spots allocated to runners-up, or by participating in play-off matches. These play-off matches will involve teams from the UEFA Nations League, adding another layer of competition and opportunity to qualify for 2028 Euro. The play-off round is scheduled to be played in March 2028, just months before the tournament begins.
2028 Euro is shaping up to be a spectacular football event. With world-class venues across the UK and Ireland, a thrilling 24-team format, and a clear qualification pathway, anticipation is already building for this major sporting occasion. Football fans across the globe should stay tuned for further updates as we approach the 2028 Euro tournament.