In a recent announcement, the European Championship will have its upcoming tournaments hosted jointly by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in 2028 and by Italy and Turkey in 2032. This decision came following an official approval from UEFA after both bids went unopposed.
Turkey initially withdrew from the bid to host Euro 2028 and joined forces with Italy’s request for the 2032 edition. This collaborative effort paved the way for the UK and Ireland to secure the hosting rights for the 2028 tournament.
I’ll never forget the summer of 1996 as a teenager – the whole country was buzzing because of the Euros.
Now a new generation will get to experience what that was like – because the UK and Ireland have won the bid to host #EURO2028
Bring it on ⚽ pic.twitter.com/6L9HZrEwCT
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 10, 2023
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to co-host Euro 2028, the five football associations that comprise the UK and Ireland bid, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, extended their congratulations to Italy and Turkey for being appointed as hosts for Euro 2032. This joint statement emphasized the unity between the two islands and their commitment to delivering a successful event.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the decision, highlighting the chance to create memorable experiences for millions of fans and inspire a new generation of football enthusiasts.
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar expressed his delight over the UK and Ireland’s joint hosting of Euro 2028, emphasizing that it will be the most significant event ever hosted by the two islands working in tandem.
This announcement marks a significant moment in European football history, with the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland co-hosting a tournament. The last time England organized a full men’s European Championship was in 1996, which featured 16 teams and was won by Germany.
The proposed venues for Euro 2028 are primarily located in England, including iconic stadiums such as Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, St. James’ Park in Newcastle, Villa Park in Birmingham, and Everton’s new stadium in Liverpool, which is currently under construction. In addition to these English locations, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, and Cardiff are set to host matches, with Cardiff bidding for the opening game.
This decision underscores the success of a unified effort to secure the hosting rights for these prestigious football tournaments and reflects the growth and collaboration in European football. As the preparations for Euro 2028 and Euro 2032 get underway, fans worldwide can look forward to exciting and memorable competitions in these iconic host nations.
