(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Euro 2028 to Begin in Cardiff, Grand Final Set for Wembley Stadium
November 13, 2025
The countdown to UEFA Euro 2028 has officially begun as tournament organizers confirmed that the opening match will be held in Cardiff on June 9, while the final will take place at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on July 9.
The highly anticipated tournament — co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland — will feature 51 matches across nine venues in eight cities, including Birmingham, Dublin, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle.
Wembley Stadium will not only host the final but also both semi-finals and one of the quarter-finals, with the remaining last-eight games scheduled in Dublin, Glasgow, and Cardiff.
Round-of-16 matches will be played across all host cities except Wembley. Each host nation that qualifies directly will have the opportunity to play their group-stage games on home soil, ensuring passionate local support.
“At UEFA EURO 2028, we will all speak football loud, clear and united,” said UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin. “We want to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike, with improved scheduling and accessibility.”
UEFA also confirmed three official kick-off times: 1400 GMT, 1700 GMT, and 2000 GMT. Notably, the Euro 2028 final will begin at 1600 GMT — three hours earlier than the Euro 2020 final, which was marred by chaotic scenes outside Wembley.
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The tournament is projected to generate a massive £3.6 billion ($4.8 billion) in economic benefits for the UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031. This includes job creation, tourism revenue, and regional investment.
Governments across the UK, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland have pledged a combined £740 million ($993 million) in funding to ensure the event is safe, secure, and world-class for fans and host cities.
“This will be a tournament for the fans — their experience is at the heart of our planning,” said Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association (FA).
England’s Euro 2028 Campaign
England will kick off their Euro 2028 journey at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. If they qualify directly, their next two group-stage games will be held at Wembley Stadium.
If England top their group, they’ll play the Round of 16 at St James’ Park in Newcastle, before returning to Wembley for the knockout rounds. A potential England vs Wales quarter-final at Wembley could be one of the tournament’s biggest highlights.
Debbie Hewitt, Chair of both the FA and UK & Ireland 2028 Ltd, said fans can expect the “best-ever Euro tournament.”
Adding to the excitement, Belfast has been chosen to host the Euro 2028 qualifying draw on December 6, 2026, marking another milestone in the lead-up to what promises to be a historic celebration of European football.
