The UK and Ireland are set to submit a bid to host the Euro 2028 competition with London expected to be a key city with plenty of options for venues.
Arsenal’s home, the Emirates Stadium, is set to miss out on being included in the list of grounds that would host fixtures in Euro 2028.
The UK and Ireland are expected to submit a joint bid to host the international competition, with as few as six English stadiums being used for fixtures. The number of English stadiums on the list of contenders is now down to 10, with some surprise omissions, including the Gunners’ home ground.
Ireland is expected to have two host stadiums – the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park in Dublin – with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland having one each. Anfield and Stamford Bridge are also set to miss out on being selected as potential venues, whilst Tottenham and West Ham’s grounds could be used.
The Times have reported that both the UK and Ireland are bidding against Turkey for Euro 2028 – though Turkey is also bidding for Euro 2032 against Italy – for what is expected to be an expanded 32-team tournament. Anfield and Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge have been excluded because their pitches are too small, while others have been unable to persuade their local authorities to commit the time and resources required to host games.
The 10 stadiums still in contention include: Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the London Stadium, Villa Park, Stadium MK, Old Trafford, the Etihad, Everton’s planned Bramley Moore Dock ground, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and Newcastle United’s St James’ Park. Others could still qualify for the list if hospitality facilities are upgraded.
