UEFA selects UK and Ireland as hosts for Euro 2028; Italy and Turkey for 2032

The UK and Ireland will host Euro 2028, with Italy and Turkey set to host the tournament in 2032.

The countries applied to host the final individually, but later decided to join forces and submit a joint bid.

The two countries have submitted 20 potential stadiums to host the tournament, 10 of which will be selected, five from each country.

UEFA made the announcement on its X (formerly known as Twitter) website.

In an interview with Sky Sport 24, reported by Football Italia, Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation, said that this is the perfect time for Italy to welcome another cultural phenomenon.

“Italy has not organised the final stage of such an important tournament since Italia 90,” said Gravina, president of the Italian federation. Sports Sports 24.

Read also: Iheanacho: Leicester City legend Vardy is not my rival

“After 42 years, this is the right time to focus all our efforts and demonstrate the organisation of Italy. Firstly, we had a great period of gathering ideas, planning and implementation (phases).

“The date is October 1, 2026, which means we have three years to design and break ground by March 31, 2027.

“We are not at a disadvantage in terms of stadium nominations. Three have already been considered positively in the nomination. There are still two or three stadiums left, but we should not be thinking about only five or six stadiums for this stage.

“We must go further and see that 2023 is a great opportunity that can offer our country and the world of football an opportunity to develop and build the ideas, culture and infrastructure of our country.

“Football should be a cultural phenomenon that breaks down any barriers. I think this is one of those opportunities. This event is not just about Italy or Turkey, it is about the whole of Europe. It is about recognizing different traditions and cultures, removing any kind of physical distance between the two countries and building bridges.

UEFA has also confirmed that the UK and the Republic of Ireland will host Euro 2028.

Italy won the last European Championship (Euro 2020), beating the English Three Lions 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of regular time on 11 July 2021 at Wembley Stadium.

Turkey have never won the Euros, but reached the semi-finals at the 2008 tournament, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland, losing 3–2 to Germany on 25 June at St. Jakob-Park.

The first edition of the Euro Championship was in 1960, hosted by France. The USSR defeated Yugoslavia 2-1 and won the first title on 10 July at the Parc des Princes.

Related