Cardiff to host opening match of Euro 2028
The tournament will mark the first international men’s football competition fully hosted across the UK and Ireland since Euro 1996 in England.
Last updated 13th Nov 2025
It's been confirmed Cardiff's Principality Stadium will host the opening match of Euro 2028.
The announcement was made during a special event at 10 Downing Street.
The tournament will mark the first international men’s football competition fully hosted across the UK and Ireland since Euro '96 in England.
The Prime Minister, Culture Secretary, and England international Tyrone Mings were joined for the announcement by UEFA President Aleksander ÄŚeferin at an event highlighting the championship's potential benefits.
The tournament is expected to bring millions of fans together across the UK, including in Cardiff, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
The final match will be held at Wembley Stadium.
Significant economic and community benefits
The UK government is committing up to ÂŁ557 million in funding for Euro 2028, with updated assessments projecting that the event will deliver a ÂŁ3.2 billion boost to the UK economy.
Additionally, a ÂŁ45-million social impact fund will fund community-led activities across the UK and Ireland from 2026 through to 2030.
The UK will contribute ÂŁ23 million to this initiative, with programmes aimed at building stronger, more cohesive communities through sport.
A foundation for future opportunities in sport
This announcement is part of a broader plan by the government to position the UK as a leading destination for international sporting events in the coming years.
Among other major events, the UK is set to host the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, and the ICC T20 Cricket World Cups in 2026 and 2030.
Accompanying these initiatives is a ÂŁ500-million investment in grassroots sports, running between 2025 and 2030, to make sports accessible and inspire the next generation of players.
Reactions to the announcement
Commenting on the news, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Euro 2028 will be the biggest sporting event ever jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland and, as a lifelong football fan, I know how much international competitions like this matter.
"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."
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: “The summer of 2028 will be a massive moment for the whole of the UK and Ireland as we welcome football fans from across Europe. Football reaches people like nothing else – it crosses every boundary, speaks every language, and has the power to bring together communities in ways that other things simply cannot.
“We are poised to do all we can to make this an unforgettable experience. The legacy starts now, not in 2028.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens celebrated Cardiff's role in the tournament, saying: "It is fantastic news that Cardiff will host the opening match of the Euro 2028 championships.
Wales is set to benefit from the spotlight and visitor numbers that come with hosting a major event.”
The announcement also included a commitment from governments across the UK and Ireland to collaborate for the successful delivery of the tournament, with UK Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock promising a “roaring success” on and off the pitch.