The City of Liverpool is celebrating the news it will be a host city for the UEFA EURO 2028 men’s championships.
The international sporting spotlight will fall on the Liverpool City Region once again, with Everton FC’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock chosen as a venue of the successful UK and Ireland bid.
Liverpool, which recently hosted Eurovision, will stage a fan festival throughout the championships, befitting one of the world’s most prestigious sporting occasions.
The city, which hosted matches in the EURO 1996 tournament and famously staged World Cup games in 1966, is part of a roster of famous sporting cities across the UK and Ireland that are known throughout the world.
Everton’s future home, located on the banks of the River Mersey, is fast becoming part of the city’s world-famous waterfront and lies just a 10 minute walk from the city centre. The 52,888 capacity stadium, due for completion in late 2024, will be one of the most accessible and sustainable sporting venues in the country.
The winning joint bid by the UK and Ireland set out a clear and compelling vision for the tournament: “Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future.”
Key to this is a commitment to diversity, social purpose and innovation in delivering an outstanding UEFA EURO 2028 that will create unforgettable memories in sold-out, iconic stadiums in famous footballing cities.
The aim is to grow a more diverse and inclusive game as well as connect with new audiences and the next generation of fans – staging an historic event which will bring people together.
It will shine a light on Liverpool’s vibrant and welcoming culture, inviting fans to enjoy the city region’s famous destinations and landmarks.
The ambition is to create new opportunities to play football across all ages, genders and abilities and make football more accessible, fan and family friendly, and inclusive.
It will also provide longer term benefits through tourism promotion, social enterprise and other business and training opportunities that will provide people with skills for life.
The ten stadiums and capacities are:
- Wembley Stadium, London (90,652)
- National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff (73,952)
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London (62,322)
- City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester (61,000)
- Everton Stadium, Liverpool (52,888)
- St James’ Park, Newcastle (52,305)
- Villa Park, Birmingham (52,190)
- Hampden Park, Glasgow (52,032)
- Dublin Arena, Dublin (51,711)
- Casement Park, Belfast (34,500)
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council said: “It is absolutely fantastic news that the UK and Ireland are to host UEFA EURO 2028 – with Liverpool to play a pivotal part of that tournament.
“Our city has football in its DNA and fans from across Europe and beyond know they can expect an amazing welcome and celebration of sport and culture.
“From European Capital of Culture to Eurovision, Liverpool has an unrivalled track record in delivering diverse and inclusive events on behalf of Europe.
“UEFA EURO 2028 in Liverpool is going to be much more than games taking place on the pitch. We’ll develop a programme that will involve the whole city and wider Liverpool City Region that will give fans and visitors something truly memorable to celebrate.”