England may be forced to play their two Euro 2028 matches away at Wembley. If the co-hosts top their group and reach the final, they could end up playing at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and Newcastle’s home ground, St James’ Park. Football Association president Debbie Hewitt has promised her country and the Republic of Ireland that it will host the “best ever” European Championship after a spectacular launch event in the capital.
The blueprint for Euro 2028, co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, has been unveiled, with the competition starting in Cardiff on June 9 and culminating at Wembley on July 9. However, in previous tournaments held on home soil, such as the 1966 World Cup and Euro 96, England played all their matches at Wembley.
This represents a major change, with England set to win the tournament nationally. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Villa Park, St James’ Park and Etihad Airways will all host matches.
Dublin, Cardiff and Glasgow are also scheduled to play, and if England finish second in their group, they could face Everton’s new home stadium on Merseyside.
The tournament was unveiled in a huge ceremony with illuminations at Piccadilly Circus and other Euro 2028 venues across the UK and Ireland.
The Euro 2028 emblem, featuring the legendary Henri Delaunay Trophy, is described by UEFA as a “dynamic design that captures the spirit of celebration and connection, brought to life by vibrant colors inspired by the host nation”.
FA Chairman Hewitt, who is also the organizer of UK & Ireland 2028, announced: “Today marks the start of UEFA EURO 2028, a proud milestone for football across the UK and Ireland.”
“Together with UEFA, our football and government partners, we will deliver the best EURO in history. It will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game: the passion and ability to bring people together.
“We are building an inspiring event. A welcoming, safe and sustainable UEFA EURO will have lasting benefits for the local community far beyond the pitch. The countdown to an unforgettable summer of football has begun.”
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: “The host country, where this match first took shape, is keen to welcome millions of fans to our legendary stadiums. Fans will be at the heart of this competition.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “UEFA Euro 2028 will be the biggest sporting event ever co-hosted by the UK and Ireland and as a lifelong football fan I know how important international competitions like this are.”
“This tournament will bring fans from across Europe to iconic football cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, inspire the next generation to lace up their shoes and deliver billions in economic benefits.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Summer 2028 will be a big 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 all boundaries, speaks all languages, and has the power to unite communities in a way that nothing else can.”
