UEFA EURO 2028 was officially launched today with celebration events and activations held across the UK and Ireland.
Preparations gather pace as UEFA and UK & Ireland 2028 will deliver the largest sporting event ever jointly staged by the co-host nations, with more than three million match tickets available for fans – greater than any previous EURO. The Tournament will excite fans worldwide and create long-lasting benefits for communities through an amazing celebration of top-class international football.
Match schedule announced
The match schedule has been announced. The tournament begins at the National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff, on Friday 9 June and reaches an exciting conclusion with the Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 9 July, to be played at 5pm BST to deliver the best match experience and make this moment accessible and inclusive for many more fans. Staged in nine world-class stadia across eight famous host cities, UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland will be a compelling showcase of elite football.
“UEFA EURO 2028 will be an incredible moment for players and fans – a chance to celebrate our shared love of the game on home soil in brilliant stadiums across passionate football cities.
– Michael Owen, former England striker
The match schedule highlights include:
• 51 matches overall involving 24 teams across 31 days
• Host nations will play all group games in front of own fans if they qualify directly:
o England would play opening match at Manchester City Stadium, followed by two games at Wembley Stadium
o Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales would play in Dublin, Glasgow and Cardiff respectively
• Opening game: National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff
• Final and semi-finals: Wembley Stadium, London
• Quarter-finals:
o Dublin Arena, Ireland
o Hampden Park, Scotland
o National Stadium of Wales
o Wembley Stadium, England
• Round of 16: one match at each host stadium except Wembley Stadium
• Three tournament kick-off times:
o 2pm BST
o 5pm BST
o 8pm BST
• Host cities will stage a minimum of two different groups to provide local fans with a variety of teams to watch in their region.
• Schedule developed with fan fairness in mind – travel between games to be limited as much as possible for teams and their supporters with sustainable public transport promoted.
• Full details for each matchday will be announced after the final tournament draw in 2027.
Wembley will host the UEFA EURO 2028 semi-finals and Final
Dynamic UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland brand unveiled
Today’s launch marked the unveiling of the official UEFA EURO 2028 brand, including the host city and nation logos.
The brand was revealed to fans in spectacular fashion on Wednesday night at exactly 20.28 (8.28pm GMT) on the giant Piccadilly Lights screens in the heart of London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus. Simultaneously, all around the UK and Ireland, the new logos were showcased in host cities at local events, including light projections on famous landmarks and taking-over of digital screens in city centres.
The tournament brand celebrates the fans who express the universal language of football and their love of the game through the famous cheers, chants and sounds that ring around stadia every week.
£3.6 billion (€4.1 billion) socio-economic benefits anticipated across UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031
Following an independent assessment, it is anticipated UEFA EURO 2028 will generate £3.6 billion (€4.1 billion) of socio-economic benefits for the UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031. Benefits include job creation, regional prosperity and direct expenditure from international visitors to the tournament.
Local businesses, suppliers and communities within host cities will see direct economic gains, while dedicated training and volunteering initiatives will enhance skills development and open pathways into employment across the regions. Hosting an outstanding tournament will also showcase the best of the UK and Ireland to the world and help secure additional major events.
Government investments will be made to help deliver a world-class UEFA EURO 2028 and unlock these far-reaching social and economic benefits. The UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Government of Ireland will collectively invest up to £740 million (€840 million) to ensure the event is safe, secure and offers a world-class experience for fans and communities across the UK and Ireland. This government investment includes contributions, alongside football partners, to a £45 million (€51 million) social impact fund, which will extend socio-economic benefits for communities beyond the host cities before, during and after the tournament.
UEFA EURO 2028 will include the largest ever community programme for a EURO
Largest-ever UEFA EURO Community Programme
UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland will see the largest-ever community programme for the tournament. Social impact plans will be delivered by local stakeholders in each host nation to harness the power of sport and culture, bring communities together to inspire positive change.
These plans will ensure UEFA EURO 2028 is celebrated in hundreds of communities, placing the spotlight on football inclusivity, volunteers and community heroes. The community programme will also use the tournament as a catalyst to grow a more diverse and sustainable game, build belonging, boost pride and promote positive behaviours at all levels of football.
Belfast confirmed to host UEFA EURO 2028 Qualifying Draw
Belfast, Northern Ireland, is confirmed to host the UEFA EURO 2028 Qualifying Draw on 6 December 2026.
The highly-anticipated event for national teams and fans will be held at the ICC Belfast and demonstrates that Northern Ireland, as a valuable partner, will contribute to the tournament’s success and celebration.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, said: “Today marks a proud milestone for football across the UK and Ireland as we celebrate the launch of UEFA EURO 2028.
“Working with UEFA and our football and government partners, we will deliver the best-ever EURO. It will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game – its passion and ability to bring people together.
“We are building an inspiring event – a welcoming, safe and sustainable UEFA EURO that will create lasting community benefits far beyond the pitch. The countdown is truly on now to what will be an unforgettable summer of football.”
FA CEO Mark Bullingham alongside FA Chair and Chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, Debbie Hewitt MBE
English FA CEO, Mark Bullingham, added: “This event is a significant milestone in our journey towards delivering the biggest men’s EURO ever. The scale of the tournament will have a really positive impact on communities throughout the country.
“This will be a tournament for the fans, with their experience at the heart of our planning. We are excited for the Three Lions to have the opportunity to play matches around England, starting in Manchester.”
Tyrone Mings, UK & Ireland 2028 Limited Board Member and England international, said: “EURO 2028 will be an unforgettable experience for everyone – for the players stepping into world-class stadiums, and the fans who will create an electric atmosphere. I’ve played in many of these venues and they’re incredible when they come alive on big occasions.
“This tournament will showcase the very best of our football culture, fuel future football development and make a positive impact on local communities that lasts long after the final whistle.”
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, said:
“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. At UEFA EURO 2028, we will all speak football – loud, clear and united.
“The host nations, where the game first took shape, are eager to welcome millions of fans into legendary stadiums, providing the right stage for a festival of emotions, vividly encapsulated in the design we presented today. The fans will be the beating heart of this tournament. In the way matches are staged – including a new, more convenient kick-off time for the final – and in the services across host cities and stadiums, we want to maximise the fan experience, in the venues and around the world, so more people than ever can fully enjoy what promises to be one of the year’s greatest events.”
