What's Happening?
England, as co-hosts of Euro 2028, may play two of their matches away from Wembley Stadium. The Three Lions, who need to qualify for the tournament, are expected to play one of their group matches at one of five
other English stadiums: Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Villa Park, Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, or St James' Park in Newcastle. Additionally, Wembley will not host any last-16 games, meaning England could face a match away from the national stadium if they reach the first knockout round. The tournament is jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, with Cardiff's Principality Stadium set to host the opening game. The full schedule will be announced on November 12 at the official launch of Euro 2028 in London.
Why It's Important?
The decision to potentially play matches away from Wembley is significant for England's national team and its fans, as Wembley has been a traditional venue for major matches. This move could impact fan logistics and the atmosphere typically associated with home games at Wembley. Additionally, the distribution of matches across various stadiums highlights the collaborative hosting effort among the UK nations, which could foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility. The arrangement also reflects UEFA's strategy to spread the economic benefits of hosting across multiple regions, potentially boosting local economies and infrastructure development in the selected cities.
What's Next?
The official schedule for Euro 2028 will be unveiled on November 12, providing clarity on match locations and dates. This announcement will allow fans and local businesses to prepare for the influx of visitors and the associated economic opportunities. The Football Association and UEFA's decisions regarding match allocations will likely influence ticket sales and travel plans for supporters. Additionally, the need for England to qualify for the tournament adds a competitive element, as failure to do so could impact the host nation's participation and fan engagement.
