The UK and Ireland 2028 shortlist has 14 places across five countries

The UK and Ireland 2028 shortlist has 14 places across five countries

Fourteen stadiums in five countries have been selected by the UK and Ireland bid team to host Euro 2028 matches.

Nine English stadiums are on the list, which were submitted in the initial bid dossier to tournament organizers UEFA, while two are in the Republic of Ireland and one each in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The inclusion of Casement Park, an expensive sports ground which is being rebuilt, means Belfast is ready to host matches if it stays when the final list of 10 stadiums is submitted to UEFA in April.

Of the nine stadiums in England, three are in London – Wembley, London Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are on the provisional list, as are St James’ Park in Newcastle and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Everton’s new ground at Bramley-Moor Dock is on the list, as is Villa Park in Birmingham.

Aviva Stadium and Croke Park are shortlisted venues in Dublin, while Principality Stadium in Cardiff and Hampden Park in Glasgow complete the list.

The UK-Ireland bid faces competition from Turkey, with UEFA’s executive committee set to decide whether to host Euro 2028 and Euro 2032 in September next year.

A joint statement from the five bidder consortia said: “We are delighted that government partners from the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are supporting this bid.

“Together, we believe we can stage a world-class tournament and the launch of Euro 2028 will deliver a strong and sustainable legacy for football and the wider community, helping to drive economic growth in local communities.

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“Working with UEFA, our plan is to host a tournament that will be a catalyst for the transformative development of grassroots football – with the promise of sharing legacy initiatives with European national associations to accelerate growth across the continent.

“The UK and Ireland’s history of hosting successful major sporting events over many decades means we have the knowledge and experience to take this world championship to new heights.

“Our combined plan and pioneering collaboration between many partners can usher in a new era for the Euro. Through the latest digital and marketing innovations, we will help UEFA and its partners engage new fans and young people around the world to expand the impact and reach of the tournament like never before.”

The UK and Ireland initially conducted a feasibility study looking into the possibility of bidding to host the 2030 World Cup, but have shifted focus to the euro.

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