In a momentous turn of events, the United Kingdom and Ireland have emerged as the imminent hosts for Euro 2028, following the withdrawal of Turkey’s bid. This joint effort by England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland stands unopposed, pending the final nod from UEFA’s executive committee.
Turkey, now in collaboration with Italy, is set to claim the privilege of hosting Euro 2032, while Germany gears up to welcome the footballing world for Euro 2024.
Crucially, UEFA has yet to confirm the criteria for teams to qualify for Euro 2028. Discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of qualification matches to ensure competitive preparation for the tournament, even for teams eliminated in earlier stages.
Reports indicate that UEFA is unlikely to grant automatic entry to all five nations involved, potentially favoring a maximum of three guaranteed places. This unique joint hosting situation presents unprecedented challenges in terms of sporting integrity and qualification fairness.
The much-anticipated expansion of the tournament to 32 teams is not anticipated until 2032, and there is even talk of a pre-qualification mini-tournament being considered.
There exists a minor possibility that the tournament might proceed with just four hosts if the reconstruction of Northern Ireland’s Casement Park in Belfast is delayed. However, this is not seen as a significant concern, given the five-year window until the competition.
The location for the final match has yet to be confirmed, but Wembley Stadium seems a strong contender, which would mark a second European final in three editions of the tournament. England previously hosted the Euro 2020 final in 2021 following its postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bid includes 14 venues spread across the five nations: nine in England, two in the Republic of Ireland, and one each in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Casement Park in Belfast is poised to host matches if it remains on the final list of 10 stadiums submitted to UEFA in April.
In England, three venues in London—Wembley, the London Stadium, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—have been shortlisted. Old Trafford, the Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park in Newcastle, and the Stadium of Light in Sunderland are also provisional options. Everton’s Bramley-Moore Dock and Villa Park in Birmingham complete the English contingent.
Dublin is represented by the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park, while the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and Hampden Park in Glasgow complete the lineup.
Gareth Bale, despite his retirement from professional football, has been instrumental in Wales’ bid, emphasizing his commitment to his homeland’s joint hosting ambitions. His global recognition and willingness to contribute have been significant assets to the bid.
Turkey, having narrowly missed out on hosting Euro 2024, now appears set to hold the tournament in 2032. The official announcement of the host associations will be made by UEFA’s Executive Committee on October 10th at their headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
