The UEFA European Championship stands among the world’s most prestigious football tournaments, uniting nations, cultures, and fanbases every four years. Euro 2028 promises to raise the bar once again with an expanded hosting model, state-of-the-art stadiums across the British Isles, and a thrilling mix of established giants and emerging underdogs. This guide dives deep into everything you need to know—history, dates, venues, qualification pathways, ticketing insights, travel advice, broadcast information, and more. Strap in for an immersive journey toward the summer’s ultimate football festival.
What Is UEFA Euro 2028?
Overview & History of the Tournament
Established in 1960, the UEFA European Championship (commonly called the Euros) began as a four-team invitational and has since grown into a 24-team spectacle. Past editions have delivered iconic moments—from Greece’s miraculous triumph in 2004 to Italy’s penalty shoot-out glory in 2021. Euro 2028 will be the 18th tournament in the competition’s history and aims to blend tradition with fresh innovations.
Why 2028 Is Special
Euro 2028 breaks new ground by spanning five host associations—England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. It’s the first pan-British & Irish tournament, showcasing cross-border cooperation on an unprecedented scale. Fans can expect:
- Multiple host cities working in harmony
- Enhanced transport links
- An inclusive atmosphere celebrating all corners of the UK and Ireland
This decentralized model not only spreads economic benefits but also allows supporters to experience diverse local cultures while following the action.
Host Nations & Venues
The five host associations will deploy ten world-class stadiums, each chosen for capacity, facilities, and fan experience. Here’s the definitive venue breakdown:
| Stadium | City | Capacity | Home Team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wembley Stadium | London, England | 90,000 | England National Team |
| Old Trafford | Manchester, England | 74,310 | Manchester United |
| Etihad Stadium | Manchester, England | 53,400 | Manchester City |
| St James’ Park | Newcastle, England | 52,305 | Newcastle United |
| Millennium Stadium | Cardiff, Wales | 74,500 | Wales National Team |
| Aviva Stadium | Dublin, Ireland | 51,700 | Ireland National Team |
| Hampden Park | Glasgow, Scotland | 52,063 | Scotland National Team |
| BT Murrayfield | Edinburgh, Scotland | 67,144 | — |
| Windsor Park | Belfast, N. Ireland | 18,500 | N. Ireland National Team |
| Celtic Park | Glasgow, Scotland | 60,832 | Celtic FC |
Each stadium will host multiple group-stage matches, with Wembley primed for the semi-finals and final. Detailed transport connections, seating maps, and fan-zone locations will roll out as UEFA finalizes logistics.
Tournament Dates & Schedule
Mark your calendar—Euro 2028 kicks off in early June and culminates in early July:
- Group Stage: 9 June–21June 2028
- Round of 16: 24 June–27June 2028
- Quarter-Finals: 30 June–1July 2028
- Semi-Finals: 4 July–5July 2028
- Final: 9 July 2028 at Wembley Stadium
Highlights:
- A compact schedule with rest days woven between knockout rounds
- Double-header matchdays in key venues to maximize fan engagement
- Opening match staged at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Fans should book travel and accommodation well in advance, especially for high-demand match windows like quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Qualification Process
Consolidated Qualifying Groups
Euro 2028 qualifying spans March to November 2027, featuring six groups of four and two groups of three. Each team plays home-and-away round robins. The top two from each group qualify automatically.
Play-off & Nations League Path
Remaining slots (four teams) emerge via a revised play-off route tied to 2026–27 UEFA Nations League performance:
- Nations League group winners who miss direct qualification enter a four-team play-off.
- Single-leg semi-finals and a final determine the last qualifiers.
- Home-venue draws favor lower-ranked league teams.
By linking qualification to the Nations League, UEFA ensures competitive balance and stakes in every mid-season tournament.
Ticketing & Pricing
UEFA plans to offer over 3 million tickets across all matches, with transparent categories and pricing bands:
- Category 1 (Best view): £120–£500+
- Category 2 (Mid-range): £60–£250
- Category 3 (Budget): £25–£100
Application & Balloting Tips
- Register on the official UEFA ticket portal early (opens Q4 2027).
- Submit one application per match or package; multiple entries reduce your odds.
- Opt for package deals (group stage bundles) to improve lottery chances.
- Use a local billing address in host countries if possible—some allocations favor residents.
Subsidised Options
UEFA’s solidarity tickets program reserves a limited number at reduced rates (Category 3B) for fans traveling at least 200 km. Proof of distance and photo ID required.
Travel & Accommodation Tips
Covering five countries demands savvy planning. Here’s how to navigate:
Transport Between Host Cities
- Rail & Bus:
- England & Wales: BritRail passes unlock unlimited rail travel.
- Scotland: ScotRail early-bird tickets cut fares by up to 50%.
- Ireland–UK ferry routes link Belfast–Stranraer and Dublin–Holyhead.
- Domestic Flights:
- Budget carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet) operate high-frequency routes between London, Dublin, Glasgow, and Manchester.
Recommended Accommodation Areas
- London: Stratford (near both Wembley & Olympic Park)
- Manchester: City Centre & Salford Quays
- Cardiff: Cardiff Bay & City Centre (walkable venues)
- Glasgow: West End for Hampden Park; city core for Celtic Park
- Dublin: Ballsbridge & Docklands, walking distance to Aviva
Fan Zones & Local Culture
All host cities will set up official fan zones with giant screens, live DJ sets and national food stands. Keep an eye on UEFA’s fan-zone map for opening hours and nearby attractions.
Broadcast & Streaming Info
Stay tuned live via national free-to-air networks or official streaming platforms:
- United Kingdom & Ireland: BBC, ITV, RTÉ
- France: TF1, M6
- Germany: ARD, ZDF
- USA & Canada: ESPN+, FuboTV
- Rest of the World: UEFA.tv (geo-licensed streams)
Subscription packages and pay-per-view options will be announced six months prior. For on-the-go viewing, download official apps and ensure robust mobile data plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official Euro 2028 dates?
The tournament runs from 9 June to 9 July 2028, culminating in the final at Wembley Stadium.
How many teams will participate?
A total of 24 national teams will battle through group and knockout phases.
Which countries automatically qualify as hosts?
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland earn direct entry.
When does ticket registration open?
Ticket applications open in Q4 2027 via UEFA’s secure ticketing portal.
Can I apply for multi-match packages?
Yes. Package deals cover three-match group stage bundles, ensuring at least one match per group.
Are there subsidised tickets?
UEFA reserves a limited number of lower-priced tickets (Category 3B) for overseas fans traveling 200 + km.