**Wales to Host Euro 2028 Opening Ceremony and Six Matches at Rebranded Cardiff Venue**
Wales has secured a significant role in the 2028 UEFA European Championship, with confirmation that Cardiff will not only host the tournament’s grand opening ceremony but also stage six matches. The games are to be played at the city’s landmark stadium, which will undergo a temporary name change for the duration of the competition to become the “Cardiff National Stadium of Wales.”
The announcement, confirmed by the Welsh Government, marks a milestone for Welsh sport and local supporters, as the tournament is co-hosted by five nations — Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland — in a joint effort that celebrates the diverse football heritage of the British Isles and Ireland. The collaborative approach to hosting is viewed as a chance to bring major international events to more communities and to highlight Wales on the global sporting stage.
UEFA’s regulations stipulate that venues used must shed any commercial branding, hence the Principality Stadium, known for sponsorship reasons in domestic sport, will assume its new, neutral moniker for the Euro 2028 festivities. This mirrors procedures previously seen during high-profile events such as the Champions League final, ensuring the competition retains an inclusive and non-commercial identity.
Noel Mooney, the Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), had earlier shared his hopes that Wales would be named as host for several games, stating that securing four to six matches would be a satisfactory outcome. The confirmation that six matches, as well as the prestigious curtain-raiser, will take place in Cardiff signifies a hugely positive result for Welsh football and the wider sporting community.
A total of ten stadiums across the participating countries form the backbone of the Euro 2028 hosting bid. England will contribute six iconic venues, including Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, Newcastle’s St James’ Park, Villa Park in Birmingham, and Everton’s anticipated new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock. The remainder of the fixtures will be spread across a redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, and Glasgow’s historic Hampden Park, alongside Cardiff’s redeployed national ground.
Despite this strong hosting presence, Welsh fans should note that their national team is not guaranteed an automatic place in the tournament — a deviation from the norm for host nations. This unusual situation arises as a result of the jointly staged event and the sheer number of co-hosts. UEFA has made it clear that with five partners, it is not possible to give each an automatic seat at the finals.
Speaking in the Senedd, Economy Minister Rebecca Evans highlighted the broader impacts of hosting events of this scale. “Delivering six matches of UEFA Euro 2028 in Cardiff presents a tremendous opportunity. The anticipated economic uplift is expected to be significant, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that will be enjoyed by both residents and visitors. We are committed to working with all our partners to ensure that these events are managed professionally and with responsibility,” Evans commented.
Welsh Conservatives member Samuel Kurtz echoed the importance of the occasion, pointing out that securing the opening ceremony as well as multiple fixtures was a testament to Wales’s growing reputation as a sporting destination. He underlined the pride felt across all political parties for this achievement, which comes at a time when Wales is increasingly positioning itself as a host for major international competitions.
The hosting duties for Euro 2028 form part of a broader strategy to attract world-renowned sporting tournaments to Wales. In 2027, for instance, the country is also set to welcome a stage of cycling’s Grand Depart as part of the Tour de France, further solidifying Cardiff’s position on the international events calendar.
The series of high-profile events promises not only a boost in economic terms but also further recognition of Wales as a nation capable of hosting world-class competitions. As preparations get underway, attention now turns to ensuring the smooth delivery of these sporting highlights, and to hoping that Wales’ own football team will rise to the occasion and qualify for what promises to be a truly unforgettable summer of football.