UEFA EURO 2032: Italy and Türkiye Unite to Host a Landmark Tournament
The UEFA Executive Committee has officially announced that Italy and Türkiye will co-host the prestigious Uefa Euro 2032 tournament. This landmark decision marks the sixth occasion in the history of the European Championship that the event will be staged across multiple nations. Following in the footsteps of successful co-hosted tournaments like EURO 2000 (Belgium and the Netherlands), EURO 2008 (Austria and Switzerland), EURO 2012 (Poland and Ukraine), and the pan-European EURO 2020, UEFA EURO 2032 promises to be another unforgettable celebration of football. Anticipation is already building for UEFA EURO 2028, set to take place in the UK and Republic of Ireland, but the focus is now firmly shifting towards the exciting prospect of UEFA EURO 2032 in Italy and Türkiye.
Italy’s rich footballing heritage will once again be on display as they prepare to host EURO tournament matches for the fourth time. The nation has a proud history with the competition, having exclusively hosted EURO 1968 and EURO 1980. More recently, the Stadio Olimpico in Rome played a prominent role during EURO 2020, hosting several key matches. For Türkiye, UEFA EURO 2032 represents a historic milestone as it will be their first time hosting the European Championship. This co-hosting bid signifies a powerful partnership between two nations with a deep passion for football and a shared vision for the future of the sport in their respective countries.
The joint bid from Italy and Türkiye for UEFA EURO 2032 is built upon a foundation of collaboration and cultural affinity. Representing this unity, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) expressed their collective enthusiasm following the announcement. “We offer our gratitude to UEFA for giving two countries sharing Mediterranean culture the honour to co-host UEFA EURO 2032,” stated the joint bid committee. Their motto, “Play as One,” encapsulates the spirit of this partnership, emphasizing the commitment to delivering an exceptional tournament experience. The federations aim to forge lasting friendships and contribute significantly to the legacy of European football through UEFA EURO 2032. Both Italy and Türkiye are poised to work diligently in the years leading up to 2032, driven by passion and dedication, to ensure that UEFA EURO 2032 becomes a truly unforgettable event for fans worldwide.
Looking ahead to UEFA EURO 2032, the bidding nations have presented an impressive selection of potential venues. A total of 20 stadiums have been proposed, from which 10 will be selected to host matches – five in each country. The final selection of venues is scheduled to be decided by October 2026.
Italian Proposed Venues for UEFA EURO 2032:
- Milan: Stadio San Siro – Giuseppe Meazza
- Rome: Stadio Olimpico
- Bari: Stadio San Nicola (to be renovated)
- Naples: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona (to be renovated)
- Florence: Stadio Artemio Franchi (new stadium)
- Turin: Juventus Stadium
- Genoa: Stadio Luigi Ferraris (to be renovated)
- Verona: Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi (to be renovated)
- Bologna: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara (new stadium)
- Cagliari: Stadio Sant’Elia (new stadium)
Turkish Proposed Venues for UEFA EURO 2032:
- Istanbul: Atatürk Olympic Stadium (to be renovated)
- Ankara: New Ankara Stadium (new stadium)
- Istanbul: Ali Sami Yen Stadium
- Istanbul: Sükrü Saraçoglu Stadium
- Bursa: Timsah Arena
- Trabzon: Şenol Güneş Sport Complex
- Konya: Konya Metropolitan Stadium
- Gaziantep: Gaziantep Kalyon Stadium
- Eskişehir: Eskişehir Stadium
- Antalya: Antalya Stadium
Both Italy and Türkiye possess substantial recent experience in hosting major football matches and international events. Italy showcased its capabilities during EURO 2020 with Rome’s Stadio Olimpico hosting the opening match and several other key fixtures. Milan and Turin jointly hosted the 2021 UEFA Nations League finals, further demonstrating Italy’s readiness for large-scale tournaments. Turin also hosted the prestigious 2022 UEFA Women’s Champions League final. Türkiye’s credentials are equally impressive, with Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium recently hosting the 2023 UEFA Champions League final, its second time hosting the pinnacle of European club football. In 2019, Istanbul also hosted the UEFA Super Cup at Beşiktaş Park, and the city’s Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium was the venue for the final UEFA Cup final in 2009. This collective experience underscores the ability of both nations to deliver world-class facilities and seamless event operations for UEFA EURO 2032.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the tournament, UEFA EURO 2032 is envisioned as a catalyst for long-term development and growth in football across Italy and Türkiye. Guided by their “Play as One” motto, both the FIGC and TFF are committed to leveraging UEFA EURO 2032 to inspire future generations of footballers and fans. A core focus will be on grassroots development programs aimed at expanding participation and raising standards at all levels of the game. By investing in youth academies, development camps, and community initiatives, Italy and Türkiye intend to create pathways for young talent to flourish and reach their full potential. UEFA EURO 2032 will also serve as a platform to promote social inclusion, reaching out to disadvantaged youth and fostering stronger connections between schools and amateur clubs. This holistic approach ensures that UEFA EURO 2032 will leave a lasting positive legacy, strengthening the foundations of football in both host nations and inspiring a new wave of passion for the beautiful game.