Grassroots and community boost from UEFA EURO 2028

Grassroots football and communities in England, and across the UK and Ireland, will be boosted by the hosting of UEFA EURO 2028.

Following the launch of the tournament on Wednesday evening with celebrations across the UK and Ireland, it was revealed that there will be the largest-ever UEFA EURO community programme around the competition which takes place between 9 June and 9 July 2028.

Social impact plans will be delivered by local stakeholders in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland to harness the power of sport and culture, bring communities together and inspire positive change.

The plans will ensure that 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.

Speaking about the launch, English FA Chair and Chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, Debbie Hewitt MBE said: “Today marks a proud milestone for football across the UK and Ireland as we celebrate the launch of UEFA EURO 2028.

“Working with UEFA and our football and government partners, we will deliver the best-ever EURO. It will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game – its passion and ability to bring people together.

“We are building an inspiring event – a welcoming, safe and sustainable UEFA EURO that will create lasting community benefits far beyond the pitch. The countdown is truly on now to what will be an unforgettable summer of football.”

In total, there are nine host cities across the UK and Ireland with games being played in Birmingham, Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Newcastle.

In what will be the biggest men’s EURO to date, the tournament will see a total of 51 matches involving 24 teams across 31 days, with the host nations set to play all of their group games in front of their own fans should they qualify directly.

The first knockout stage, the round of 16, will be played in each of the host cities excluding Wembley before the quarter-finals would be staged at the Dublin Arena, National Stadium of Wales (Cardiff), Hampden Park (Glasgow) and at Wembley.

Other host host cities will stage a minimum of two different groups to provide local fans with a variety of teams to watch in their region, while kick-off times throughout the tournament will be at 2pm, 5pm and 8pm (GMT).

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