### Euro 2028: A New Era for European Football Kicks Off in Cardiff The UEFA Euro 2028 tournament is set to commence with significant changes in its hosting structure. The opening match will take place in Cardiff, marking a departure from the traditional choice of Wembley Stadium for the first game. This tournament will be co-hosted by the UK and Ireland, featuring nine stadiums across eight cities, with the final match returning to Wembley on July 9, 2028. The announcement was made on November 13, 2025, and has generated considerable excitement among football fans and stakeholders alike [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/euro-2028-first-england-game-etihad-stadium-b2864421.html][https://www.easterneye.biz/euro-2028-wembley-cardiff-football-uefa]. ### Breakdown of Euro 2028 Hosting Structure 1. **Opening Match and Venue**: - Cardiff's Principality Stadium will host the tournament opener on June 9, 2028 [https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/euro-2028-cardiff-to-host-tournament-opener-wembley-stadium-gets-semifinals-and-final-101762980835775.html]. 2. **Key Matches at Wembley**: - Wembley Stadium will be the venue for both the semi-finals and the final of Euro 2028, solidifying its status as a premier football location [https://www.apnews.com/article/euro-2028-european-championship-e9d7dc9af80ef1ae6a2b100c607acf07]. 3. **Participating Cities and Stadiums**: - The tournament will feature nine stadiums across eight cities, including Villa Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland as co-hosts [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/11/13/england-set-for-etihad-start-to-euro-2028-tournament-campaign]. 4. **Qualifying Matches**: - The draw for qualifying matches is scheduled to take place in Belfast in December 2027, allowing host nations to play group matches in their own countries if they qualify [https://www.irishnews.com/sport/soccer/euro-2028-schedule-announced-with-england-set-to-start-at-etihad-stadium-5SIY4HYW4FLDLEAUV7FPDXTYH4]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Tournament Timeline**: - **Opening Match**: June 9, 2028, in Cardiff. - **Final Match**: July 9, 2028, at Wembley Stadium. - **Host Cities**: - Cardiff, London, Dublin, and others will host matches, with specific venues like the Aviva Stadium in Dublin set to host seven games, including one quarter-final [https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2025/11/12/euro-2028-dublin-to-host-seven-games-as-match-schedule-revealed]. - **Stadiums**: - Nine stadiums confirmed, including: - Principality Stadium (Cardiff) - Wembley Stadium (London) - Villa Park (Birmingham) - Everton Stadium (Liverpool) [https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/everton-news/74831/everton-stadium-host-five-euro-2028-fixtures-official-logo-schedule-announced]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Euro 2028 Awaits In summary, **Euro 2028 promises to be a landmark event in European football**, with Cardiff taking the spotlight for the opening match and Wembley hosting the climactic final. The tournament's structure reflects a collaborative effort among the UK and Ireland, enhancing the football experience across multiple cities. 1. **Opening in Cardiff**: The tournament begins on June 9, 2028, in Wales. 2. **Wembley’s Role**: The iconic stadium will host the semi-finals and final. 3. **Diverse Venues**: Nine stadiums across eight cities will showcase the matches. 4. **Qualifying Process**: Host nations will have the opportunity to play at home if they qualify. This new format not only diversifies the hosting experience but also aims to engage a broader audience across the participating nations [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/euro-2028-first-match-in-cardiff-final-wembley-venue-hosts-schedule-stadiums-cities-football-news/article70273946.ece][https://www.flashscore.com/news/soccer-euro-euro-2028-schedule-confirmed-wembley-hosting-semis-final-opening-match-to-be-in-cardiff/pvFSY7RQ].