Cardiff has been chosen to host the opening match of the UEFA EURO 2028 football tournament, which is being staged across the UK and Ireland from 9 June to 9 July 2028. 

The tournament will be the largest sporting event ever jointly staged by the co-host nations, bringing together fans and creating long-lasting benefits for communities through an unforgettable summer of top-class international football. The first match will take place at the National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff, on Friday 9 June 2028, with the final at Wembley Stadium in London on 9 July. There will be more than three million match tickets available for fans – more than at any previous EURO.

Featuring 51 matches involving 24 teams across 31 days staged in nine world-class stadia across eight iconic host cities, UEFA EURO 2028 promises an exciting showcase of top-level international football.

The host nations will play all of their group games in front of their own fans if they qualify directly. England would play their first match at the Manchester City Stadium, followed by two games at Wembley Stadium. Ireland, Scotland and Wales would play in Dublin, Glasgow and Cardiff respectively.

Further key fixtures include the final and semi-finals at Wembley Stadium, while the quarter-finals will be held across all four host nations: Dublin Arena (Ireland), Hampden Park in Glasgow (Scotland), the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff and Wembley Stadium in London (England). A total of six matches will be played in the Welsh capital, including a last 16 match and group stage matches, as well as the quarter final.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: “Football is the universal language. It expresses passion, skill, courage, solidarity and respect better than any other, and it constantly reminds us that our differences are exactly what makes our sport so beautiful. At UEFA EURO 2028, we will all speak football – loud, clear and united.

“The host nations, where the game first took shape, are eager to welcome millions of fans into legendary stadiums, providing the right stage for a festival of emotions.”

National Stadium of Wales © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2025) Cymru Wales

Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, added: "Hosting the opening match of UEFA EURO 2028 is a tremendous honour for Cardiff and a testament to our city’s reputation as a world-class destination for major events. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will bring people together, inspire pride, and deliver significant economic and social benefits for our communities.

“The eyes of the footballing world will be on Cardiff on June 9th and the atmosphere in the city will be electric for every one of the six matches being played here. We’re looking forward to welcoming fans from across Europe and beyond to experience the very best of Welsh hospitality and culture." 

The tournament will feature the largest-ever UEFA EURO Community Programme. Social impact plans will be delivered by local stakeholders in each host nation to harness the power of sport and culture, bring communities together and inspire positive change. An independent assessment anticipates that UEFA EURO 2028 will generate up to £3.6 billion in socio-economic benefits across the UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031.

As a host city, Cardiff will see direct gains for local businesses, suppliers and communities. The influx of international visitors is expected to create jobs and boost the regional economy, while dedicated training and volunteering programmes will provide new opportunities for local people, helping develop skills and open pathways into employment.

If you or your group would like to start planning a tailor-made tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland for UEFA EURO 2028, please do contact our friendly team today. As well as helping to secure match tickets, we can organise accommodation, transportation and visits to many of the other wonderful sights the host cities have to offer.