The UK and Republic of Ireland football associations have submitted a joint expression of interest in staging the European Championships in 2028.

Russia and Turkey have both also declared an interest in staging the competition.

Russian’s national team are currently suspended by FIFA and UEFA over the country’s invasion of Ukraine, but UEFA confirmed on Wednesday that they have declared an interest.

Turkey also declared a late interest before Wednesday’s deadline but seem to be focusing on the 2032 competition.

With an official decision to be made on April 7th it looks increasingly likely the decision will be given to the UK and Ireland.


The UK and Republic of Ireland associations said, “Euro 2028 would be one of the greatest sporting events held in the UK and Ireland”

“We are passionate about maximising the sustainability and legacy benefits for communities across the UK and Ireland”.

The competition in 2028 is also expected to be changed from 24 teams to 32 providing more games and venues.

Euro 2020

London & Glasgow previously hosted games as part of Euro 2020 at Hampden Park and Wembley.

Dublin opted out of hosting Euro 2020 games due to Covid-19 restrictions.

There will be fears over Wembley hosting games again due to the troubles at the Euro 2020 final.

Before the final kicked off, violence had started on Wembley Way and continued into the stadium with ticketless fans forcing their way in.

Host Stadiums

It is unknown yet what stadiums will be used if the bid is awarded but one can have a good guess at potential stadiums.

Wembley:

Despite the troubles of the Euro 2020 final, the final of Euro 2028 would most likely be held at the 90,000 capacity Wembley.

Hampden Park:

Hampden Park
Hampden Park Glasgow
By – Dan Kearney

Glasgow played host to four games at Euro 2020 and would most likely be Scotland’s main stadium at the tournament.

Aviva Stadium:

The Aviva is the home of Irish football and rugby and was due to host Euro 2020 games but didn’t due to Covid restrictions.

With a 51,700 capacity the stadium would be Ireland’s main destination.

Principality Stadium:

Cardiff boasts a spectacular 75,000-seater stadium and is the home of Wales national teams. It would also be a cert for hosting games.

Windsor Park:

The national stadium of Northern Ireland only holds 22,000 but would have the potential to host group games as a host nation.

Windsor Park recently hosted the Super Cup meeting between Chelsea and Villarreal.

Potential Stadiums

Anfield & Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium:

With ongoing expansion developments, the home of Liverpool would most certainly have a chance of hosting games.

With the completion of the expansion set for the start of the 2023 season, Liverpool will have a 61,000-seater stadium.

The potential new home of Everton on the Liverpool docks would also be an option for the FA to consider.

A stylish new build in a hugely popular city would give good reason for Merseyside to have two host stadiums.

St James’ Park Newcastle:

The North-East would no doubt be considered as a possible host also with the impressive St James’ Park the main choice.

Emirates Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium & London Stadium:

London has many potential stadiums with Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham boasting large stadiums fit for use.

Old Trafford & Etihad Stadium:

Like Liverpool, Manchester boats two huge football clubs with excellent stadiums. Old Trafford would probably take preference over the Etihad.

Glasgow:

Celtic Park in Glasgow would be another possible option for Scotland to host more games.

Ireland:

Croke Park:

The FAI and the GAA in Ireland would have to come to an agreement to allow Croke Park to host football games.

Croke Park has a capacity of 82,300 and despite being significantly bigger than the Aviva, it currently doesn’t allow football games to take place here.

We can only still guess what stadiums will be used but the above is a good indication of where games could possibly take place.

[Featured Image by Lauren under creative commons licence]

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