The matches will be played at the Principality Stadium, which will take on a different name during the tournament
18:45, 20 May 2025Updated 21:26, 20 May 2025
Games will be played at the Principality Stadium – although it won’t be known as that(Image: Getty Images)
Wales is to host the opening ceremony of Euro 2028 and six of the tournament’s games, according to an exchange in the Senedd this afternoon (May 20).
It had already been reported Wales would host Euro 2028 with England, Ireland and Scotland. Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will host games alongside stadia like Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and Newcastle United’s St James’ Park.
The stadium will however have its name changed to Cardiff National Stadium of Wales. It mirrors what happened in the Champions League final, with UEFA ruling out advertising branding in a stadium name. To receive the latest Welsh football news sign up to the Don’t Take Me Home newsletter here.
FAW boss Noel Mooney had previously said the hope was for Wales to have “four, five or six matches. We’d be really happy and I think some of the other associations would be happy as well,” he said.
The Principality Stadium is part of a nine-stadia line-up for the bid. Six venues will be in England, including Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park and Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The Principality Stadium played host to the 2017 UEFA Champions League final, between Real Madrid and Juventus. (Image: (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images))
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and Glasgow’s Hampden Park are the other venues. It was hoped a new stadium at Belfast’s Casement Park would also be used, but the UK Government last year said it would not be providing funding to redevelop the stadium in time for the tournament.
Despite being one of the four hosts, Wales are not guaranteed a spot at the tournament. While the host nation usually qualifies automatically, there are too many countries involved in the bid for them to all have an automatic spot.
Speaking in the Senedd, economy minister Rebecca Evans spoke about the impact large events have in Wales. She said it not only boosts the economy, but increases awareness of Wales around the world.
“Hosting six matches of the UEFA Euro 2028 in Cardiff represents another significant opportunity.
“We can be confident that the economic benefits will be significant, and that a vibrant atmosphere for communities and for visitors alike will be guaranteed.
“We will also work closely with partners to ensure that these events are delivered effectively and responsibly,” the economy minister said.
Then Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz said the opening ceremony will also be in Cardiff. “Not just six matches, but the open ceremony as well,” he said.
Wales will also host a stage of the Grand Depart as part of the Tour de France in 2027. You can read about that here.
A UK & Ireland 2028 spokesperson said: “The tournament match schedule is still under development and will be confirmed at a later date.
“Ultimately, the schedule is a matter for the UEFA Executive Committee to approve and announce – which will take place in the autumn of 2025 as part of a wider tournament launch.”