Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is no stranger to a big occasion. Since opening its gates in 1999, the world-famous stadium has hosted everything from Rugby World Cup finals to wrestling extravaganzas, as well as concerts from the likes of Beyonce and Bruce Springsteen.
But in 2028, the venue will write a new chapter into its storied sporting legacy when it hosts a game in a major senior international football tournament for the first time.
The Welsh capital has been announced as one of the host cities of the upcoming men’s Euro 2028 football tournament, which will take place in the countries of Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Though Wales has hosted major sporting events before, be it the 2017 Champions League Final in the world of football or the 2010 Ryder Cup in golf, the 2028 event will mark the first time the country has hosted matches in the finals of a major senior men’s international football tournament.
Speaking about the upcoming tournament, First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said, ‘Football is at the heart of our sporting ambitions – whether that’s hosting the Champions League Final in 2017 or proudly sending Wales to its first FIFA World Cup finals for more than 60 years. We’re also providing unprecedented support for the women’s game and investing in grassroots and youth football across Wales.’
‘Securing Euro 2028 is another milestone for Welsh sport and I’m confident the UK and Ireland will host the best UEFA Euro ever,’ he added.
The summer fiesta of football is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for fans across Wales, the UK, Ireland and beyond, offering a spectacle on the pitch and the opportunity for visitors to uncover the joys of the Welsh capital after the match – hopefully following a win for the home team!
Learn more about Wales’ footballing history or read about the story of Wrexham AFC, the once little-known Welsh football team that has rocketed to global stardom.