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Wales 'confident' of hosting Euro 2028 opening ceremony

Andy Gourlay & Charlie Buckland
BBC News
Getty Images Aerial shot of the Principality stadium in Cardiff. The river taff runs through the city on the right hand side, while the green Cardiff Arms Park football pitch is in front of the stadium. High rise buildings and houses surround the stadium. Getty Images
Cardiff Principality Stadium is expected to host the Euro 2028 opening ceremony for the very first time

Cardiff is expected to host the opening ceremony of football's 2028 European Championships, a Senedd meeting has revealed.

Wales was already due to co-host the tournament alongside England, Ireland and Scotland, but Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, lifted the lid on some upcoming major events on Tuesday, including hosting six matches of Euro 2028.

In answer, Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz went further in saying: "Six matches of the Uefa Euro 2028, and not just six matches, but the open ceremony as well."

A source for the Football Association of Wales said they were "very confident" of an opening ceremony in Cardiff.

The five-nation proposal was the only bid to host Euro 2028 and was officially confirmed at a Uefa meeting in Nyon in Switzerland in October 2023.

Cardiff's Principality Stadium is one of 10 venues across nine cities and five countries presented by bid teams, but it's currently the second-largest capacity of the venues involved.

It was previously known FAW were pushing for an opening game, and there were hopes Cardiff would stage at least three group games and a quarter-final.

Ms Evans said hosting six matches of the Euro 2028, as well as securing a stage of the grand départ of the Tour de France in 2027, is a "significant achievement" for Wales.

"We can be confident that the economic benefits will be significant, and that a vibrant atmosphere for communities and visitors alike will be guaranteed," she said.

In discussion, Mr Kurtz added: "These events provide significant opportunities to boost our economy, showcase Welsh culture, and draw global attention to our landscapes, communities and world-class venues."

An FAW spokesperson said the tournament match schedule was still being developed and would be confirmed at a later date.

"Ultimately, the schedule is a matter for the Uefa executive committee to approve and announce - which will take place in the autumn of 2025 as part of a wider tournament launch," they added.