UEFA EURO 2028: complete tournament guide

UEFA EURO 2028 runs from Friday 9 June to Sunday 9 July 2028. The 24-team tournament will stage 51 matches at nine stadiums across England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. Cardiff hosts the opening match, while Wembley hosts both semi-finals and the final.

This guide brings together what is confirmed, what is still to be announced and the key planning dates for supporters. It will be updated as qualifying, the final draw, tickets, kick-off times and fan-zone locations are confirmed.

EURO 2028 at a glance

Where is EURO 2028 being held?

EURO 2028 is being staged across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. London is the only city with two match venues: Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

EURO 2028 tournament format

The format remains the same as EURO 2016, EURO 2020 and EURO 2024:

1. Twenty-four teams are divided into six groups of four.
2. Each team plays three group matches.
3. The top two in every group qualify for the round of 16.
4. The four best third-placed teams also qualify.
5. The tournament then becomes a straight knockout competition.

Most teams will move between three stadiums during the group stage. Each group also has a designated “group head” whose schedule is fixed around one or more pre-selected venues.

Will the host nations qualify automatically?

No host nation is simply guaranteed a place at the outset. England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are expected to take part in qualifying. UEFA has reserved two safety-net places for the best-ranked host nations that do not qualify directly, if required. The precise outcome therefore depends on qualifying results.

If they qualify directly, England are scheduled to play their first group game in Manchester and their next two at Wembley. Scotland would play all three group games at Hampden Park, Wales all three in Cardiff and the Republic of Ireland all three in Dublin. Northern Ireland also has a pre-arranged group-head route if it qualifies.

Key dates for supporters

EURO 2028 tickets: what is confirmed?

UEFA says approximately three million tickets will be available. Tickets will not go on sale until after the final tournament draw, when supporters will know which teams are attached to each group-stage fixture.

• The opening general-public sale will use an application and ballot system rather than a fastest-click queue.
• More than 40% of tickets will be in the most affordable categories.
• More than 80% will go to participating-team supporters and the general public.
• Qualified associations will receive 10,000 supporter tickets for each of their group matches.
• There will be no dynamic pricing.
• UEFA’s official resale platform will allow face-value resale; outside resale will not be authorised.
• Disabled supporters will pay the lowest-category price and may request a complimentary companion ticket.

Do not trust websites claiming to sell standard EURO 2028 tickets now. As of 17 July 2026, UEFA has not opened standard ticket sales or published standard ticket prices.

Kick-off times

The tournament uses three kick-off windows: 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 CEST. In the UK and Ireland during summer, these correspond to 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 local time. Match-by-match times will be assigned after the final draw. The final is already confirmed for 17:00 local time on Sunday 9 July.

Planning travel between host cities

Rail is likely to be the most practical option between London and the English and Welsh host cities. Glasgow is possible by direct train but normally requires an overnight stay around an evening match. Dublin requires a flight or a rail-and-ferry journey.

• Book flexible accommodation early: match teams will not be known until the final draw.
• Avoid planning tight same-day returns: late finishes, extra time and controlled station queues can make the last train unrealistic.
• Wait for 2028 timetables before committing: current routes are useful for planning, but engineering work and tournament services can change.
• Check passport and entry rules: international visitors may have separate UK and Irish entry requirements.

EURO 2028 fan zones

Official fan-zone locations and entry arrangements have not yet been published. Host cities are planning wider fan-festival activity, but named sites, capacities, ticket rules and opening hours should be treated as unconfirmed until announced by UEFA or the relevant city authority.

Frequently asked questions

When is EURO 2028?

Friday 9 June to Sunday 9 July 2028.

How many matches will London host?

London will host 13 matches: eight at Wembley and five at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Where is the EURO 2028 final?

Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday 9 July 2028, kicking off at 17:00 local time.

When do EURO 2028 tickets go on sale?

After the final tournament draw, expected in December 2027. Full prices and sales details are due in autumn 2027.

Which currency will supporters need?

Pounds sterling are used in England, Scotland and Wales. The euro is used in the Republic of Ireland.

Current information status

Last checked: 17 July 2026.

Confirmed: dates, stadiums, match slots, tournament format, ticketing principles and final kick-off time.

Still to come: qualified teams, final draw, most kick-off times, standard ticket prices, sales windows, fan-zone sites and detailed tournament transport plans.

Editorial note: stadium capacities shown are UEFA tournament capacities and may differ from the venues’ normal advertised capacities.