Credit: IMAGO / Mika Volkmann

EURO 2028: All You Need to Know

Credit: IMAGO / Mika Volkmann

UEFA has confirmed that EURO 2028 will kick off in Cardiff, with the opening match set for June 9 at the National Stadium of Wales. As a result, it has garnered attention toward the next major international tournament. The biggest moments of the tournament will take place in London as Wembley Stadium has been chosen to host both semifinals and the final.

EURO 2028 will be the biggest football event held across the UK and Ireland in more than ten years. UEFA EURO 2028 may still be a few years away, but preparations are well underway and the picture is becoming clearer. Notably, the tournament was officially launched in London on Wednesday. Here’s a full guide to what fans can expect.

UEFA #EURO2028 was officially launched today with celebration events and activations held across the UK and Ireland 🙌

Preparations gather pace to deliver the largest sporting event ever jointly staged by the co-host nations with more than three million match tickets available… pic.twitter.com/AwVgFcUMmb
— The FA (@FA) November 12, 2025

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Where Will EURO 2028 Be Held?

EURO 2028 will take place across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, following the successful joint bid submitted by England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The UEFA Executive Committee officially confirmed the hosts on 10 October 2023.

A total of nine stadiums will be used for the tournament, including iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium, Hampden Park, Dublin Arena, and the National Stadium of Wales. In total, around three million tickets are expected to be made available, marking one of the largest ticket allocations in tournament history.

EURO 2028 Host Stadiums

Newcastle – St James’ Park
Glasgow – Hampden Park
Dublin – Dublin Arena
Liverpool – Everton Stadium
Manchester – Manchester City Stadium
Birmingham – Villa Park
Cardiff – National Stadium of Wales
London – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
London – Wembley Stadium

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When Will EURO 2028 Take Place?

Notably, the tournament is scheduled to run from 9 June to 9 July 2028.

The opening match will be held at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff.
The final will take place at London’s Wembley Stadium. It will add to the iconic venue’s rich history of hosting major football finals.

🚨 Euro 2028 has officially launched and the match schedule has been released.

Host nations England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland will play games in front of home fans if they qualify directly, with England set play their opener at the Manchester City Stadium followed by two… pic.twitter.com/p0JCdxSary
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 12, 2025

What Is the Tournament Format?

UEFA is expected to confirm final regulations closer to 2026, but the format will follow the model which is being used since EURO 2016.

Planned Format

24 teams will participate.
They will be divided into six groups of four.
The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the Round of 16.
They will be joined by the four best third-placed teams.
From the Round of 16 onwards, the competition becomes a straight knockout.

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When Does Qualifying Begin?

EURO 2028 will introduce a new consolidated qualifying structure.

Teams will be drawn into 12 groups, containing four or five nations each.
Every team will play home and away, creating a balanced and predictable schedule.
The qualifying stage will run from March 2027 to November 2027.

How Will Teams Qualify?

Group winners qualify directly for EURO 2028.
Runners-up will either qualify automatically or enter play-offs, depending on results and UEFA Nations League rankings.
The play-offs are scheduled for March 2028, just a few months before the tournament kicks off.

EURO 2028 promises to be a landmark tournament, with five host nations, world-class stadiums. Millions of fans from all over thw world are expected to create an unforgettable atmosphere across the UK and Ireland.

EURO 2028

UEFA

Wembley Stadium

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.