Government highlights economic benefits of hosting EURO 2028

The prime minister Keir Starmer, culture secretary Lisa Nandy and England international Tyrone Mings have hosted an event at 10 Downing Street to mark the UK and Ireland hosting UEFA EURO 2028.

The government has highlighted the event as a unique opportunity to bring the nations together, unite communities and generate a significant boost to the economy.

The tournament match schedule has been released with Cardiff’s Principality Stadium hosting the opening match and Wembley hosting the final.

The tournament will be the biggest sporting event the UK and Ireland have ever jointly hosted. It will be the first international men’s football tournament to be fully hosted in the UK and Ireland since UEFA EURO ‘96.

The UK government is investing up to £557 million into hosting the tournament, which is expected will generate significant socio-economic benefits across all UK nations.

UEFA EURO 2028 is predicted to deliver £3.2 billion of socio-economic benefits across the UK, by creating jobs, driving regional growth, and bringing in international visitors whose spending will boost local economies.

The Governments and football partners across the UK and Ireland have committed around £45 million to a social impact fund for UEFA EURO 2028. 

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "UEFA EURO 2028 will be the biggest sporting event ever jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland and, as a lifelong football fan, I know how much international competitions like this matter. 

"This tournament will bring fans from across Europe to iconic footballing cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, inspire the next generation to lace up their boots, and deliver billions in economic benefits."

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "The summer of 2028 will be a massive moment for the whole of the UK and Ireland as we welcome football fans from across Europe. Football reaches people like nothing else – it crosses every boundary, speaks every language, and has the power to bring together communities in ways that other things simply cannot.

"We are poised to do all we can to make this an unforgettable experience. The legacy starts now, not in 2028. We will be launching activities years before the tournament that will continue long after the final whistle – creating new opportunities for children to get active and healthy in safe spaces, generating exciting moments for communities to unite around their shared excitement, and maximising the potential to boost economies in host cities and far beyond."