UEFA EURO 2028 was officially launched with confirmation that Dublin will host seven games, including five group games, one Round of 16 game and one Quarter-Final.

In what will be the largest sporting event ever jointly staged by the UK & Ireland, there will be more than three million match tickets available for fans – greater than any previous EURO. The Tournament will excite fans worldwide and create long-lasting benefits for communities through an amazing celebration of top-class international football.

Activations took place across each of the eight cities where games will be played, with the Samuel Beckett Bridge and the Dublin Arena (which will be the name of the Stadium for the tournament) amongst landmarks lit up from 20:28 to officially launch the tournament.

Ireland have competed in three UEFA EURO tournaments to date - 1988, 2012, 2016 - and excitement is already building for fans hoping to see the team compete on home soil.

Following an independent assessment, it is anticipated UEFA EURO 2028 will generate €449 million of socio-economic benefits for Ireland (€4.1 billion overall for the UK and Ireland) between 2028 and 2031. Benefits include job creation, direct expenditure from international visitors to the Tournament as well as significant positive legacy benefits for Irish football.

Ireland will invest up to €93 million to help deliver the tournament, including €6.2 million into social impact and community activity programmes. 

Football Association of Ireland CEO David Courell said: "Bringing UEFA EURO 2028 to Ireland is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the fair city of Dublin, our country and our football to the world. 

“Our amazing fans are known for their passion and we look forward to providing them, as well as the hundreds of thousands of people who will visit Ireland for the tournament, with the type of euphoric experience that they will never forget as we aim to play our part in delivering the best EURO yet."

Speaking following the official launch in London, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, said: “Today is a huge day for Irish football with the official launch of UEFA EURO 2028. Ireland is ready to play its part in delivering a world-class tournament that will excite fans and energise communities across the country. The Government is investing up to €93 million to make it happen, and I am confident the return will far exceed that, in jobs, tourism and pride.

“Earlier today I met with my counterparts from the EURO 2028 partnership to underline our shared ambition: to deliver the best EUROs ever. This tournament will bring people together, boost local economies and showcase the best of Ireland to the world. EURO 2028 will be a game-changer for Irish sport, and a milestone in showing what Ireland can achieve on the global stage.”

The Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, added: “Today’s official launch of UEFA EURO 2028 marks a very exciting landmark on our journey to hosting one of the biggest sporting events ever held in Ireland. We are working with UEFA, the Football Associations and our Government Partners to ensure the tournament delivers a lasting legacy for football and encourages increased participation in the game across the country. 

"I believe in football as a powerful driver of positive social impact, and the Host Associations and Government Partners are committed to improving the health of the game and society for the long-term. In relation to economic benefits, hosting the tournament provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase Ireland and our world-class tourism and sport offerings to Europe and the wider world.”

All the games to played in Ireland will be hosted in Dublin. Reflecting on the importance of the tournament for the host city, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam said: “Dublin is deeply honoured to be a host city for UEFA EURO 2028, and we are thrilled to welcome fans from across Europe and beyond to experience the heart of our vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming capital. The opportunity to host seven thrilling matches here will bring world-class football to our doorstep, but more than that, it will leave a lasting legacy for our communities — from stimulating local economic growth to fostering a renewed sense of pride and participation throughout Dublin.

"In 2028, Dublin will pulse with the spirit of the game, igniting a festival of football that reflects the passion, energy, and unity that make our city truly unique. EURO 2028 will not only showcase the very best of Dublin but will also affirm our place as a dynamic and forward-thinking city on the world stage.” 

UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland will see the largest-ever Community Programme for the Tournament. Social impact plans will be delivered by local stakeholders in each Host Nation to harness the power of sport and culture, bring communities together and inspire positive change.

These plans will ensure UEFA EURO 2028 is celebrated in hundreds of communities, placing the spotlight on football inclusivity, volunteers and community heroes. The Community Programme will also use the Tournament as a catalyst to grow a more diverse and sustainable game, build belonging, boost pride and promote positive behaviours at all levels of football.

The Match Schedule was also announced at the official launch with confirmation that the tournament will begin at the National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff, on Friday 9th June and finish with the Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 9th July. Staged in nine world-class stadia across eight famous Host Cities, UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland will be a compelling showcase of elite football.

Match Schedule highlights, include:

• 51 matches overall involving 24 teams across 31 days

• Host nations will play all group games in front of own fans if they qualify directly:

- England would play opening match at Manchester City Stadium, followed by two games at Wembley Stadium

- Ireland, Scotland and Wales would play in Dublin, Glasgow and Cardiff respectively

• Opening game: National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff

• Final and Semi-Finals: Wembley Stadium, London

• Quarter-finals: Dublin Arena, Ireland / Hampden Park, Scotland / National Stadium of Wales / Wembley Stadium, England

• Round of 16: one match at each host stadium except Wembley Stadium

• Three kick-off times have been confirmed for the tournament: 14:00 GMT / 15:00 CEST; 17:00 GMT / 18:00 CEST; 20:00 GMT / 21:00 CEST 

•  Full details for each matchday will be announced after the final tournament draw in 2027

• Host Cities will stage a minimum of two different groups to provide local fans with a variety of teams to watch in their region 

• Schedule developed with fan fairness in mind – travel between games to be limited as much as possible for teams and their supporters with sustainable public transport promoted

• Full details for each matchday will be announced after the final tournament draw in 2027

All Host Cities, venues and capacities are:

o Birmingham, Villa Park – 48,000

o Cardiff, National Stadium of Wales – 73,000

o Dublin, Dublin Arena – 50,000

o Glasgow, Hampden Park – 51,000

o Liverpool, Everton Stadium – 50,000

o London, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – 60,000

o London, Wembley Stadium – 86,000

o Manchester, Manchester City Stadium – 58,000

o Newcastle, St. James’ Park – 50,000