Cardiff is poised to take center stage for the opening ceremony of the 2028 UEFA European Football Championship, marking a major milestone for Welsh sports and culture. Officials confirmed the development during a Senedd meeting on Tuesday, where Rebecca Evans, Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, highlighted the country’s growing role in international events.
Wales is already set to co-host Euro 2028 alongside England, Ireland, and Scotland, with six matches scheduled to take place within its borders. The Principality Stadium in Cardiff, one of the tournament’s largest venues, is expected to stage a portion of the games, potentially including a quarter-final.
Samuel Kurtz, a Conservative Member of the Senedd, underscored Cardiff’s rising prominence in European football, stating, “Six matches of the UEFA Euro 2028, and not just six matches, but the opening ceremony as well.”
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) expressed strong confidence in securing the prestigious opening event, reinforcing its ongoing efforts to elevate Wales’ position in international football.
Originally, the five-nation bid was the sole proposal presented to UEFA for hosting Euro 2028, a bid officially confirmed at a UEFA meeting in Switzerland in October 2023. While the full tournament schedule remains under development, UEFA’s executive committee is set to finalize and announce the match lineup in autumn 2025.
Beyond football, Wales is also gearing up to welcome a stage of the grand départ of the Tour de France in 2027, further cementing its status as a major hub for international sporting events.
Welsh officials emphasize that hosting Euro 2028 will deliver economic benefits, cultural visibility, and a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
