With the United Kingdom and Ireland having been selected as hosts for the next European Championships, it had already been confirmed that St James’, in Newcastle, would be one of the host venues.
However, it has now been revealed that the Tyneside stadium will stage four group matches on Monday June 12, Thursday June 15, Saturday June 17 and Tuesday June 20 in 2028. St James’ will then also be the venue for a last-16 knockout game on Sunday, June 25.
The match schedule was revealed at a special event attended by more than 2,000 people at St James’ STACK, which formed part of a simultaneous launch involving the other seven host cities.
As well as Newcastle, Euro 2028 matches will also be staged in London (Wembley and Tottenham Stadium), Manchester (Etihad Stadium), Liverpool (Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium), Birmingham (Villa Park), Glasgow (Hampden Park), Cardiff (Millennium Stadium) and Dublin (Aviva Stadium).
Tonight’s launch event also saw Newcastle City Council and UEFA jointly unveil the host city logo for Newcastle, with the Tyne Bridge and Civic Centre being lit up blue, one of the tournament colours.
It is anticipated that Euro 2028 will generate up to £3.6bn of socio-economic benefits for the UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031.
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Organisers also say that local businesses, supplies and communities within host cities will see direct economic gains, while dedicated training and volunteering initiatives will enhance skills development and open pathways into employment across the regions.
Cllr Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The announcement that Newcastle will host five UEFA EURO 2028 matches is absolutely fantastic news for our city. We’re a football-mad city, and as Newcastle United has shown, the atmosphere at St James’ Park makes it one of the most exciting grounds to play at in the country. Visiting fans love coming here, and we can’t wait to welcome supporters from across Europe to our wonderful city.
“As a lifelong Newcastle United supporter and season ticket holder, I’m thrilled that international football will be coming to St James’ Park on such a major scale. We all remember the excitement of Euro ’96, but UEFA EURO 2028 promises to be even bigger and better.
“I’m also delighted to see the official host city logo unveiled. The Tyne Bridge is such an iconic symbol for Newcastle. It represents not only our city, but our pride, our spirit, and our warm welcome to visitors. Seeing it featured in this way is truly special.
“We’ve all seen how visiting fans can transform our city during major tournaments, and I can’t wait to see the famous fan walks to St James’ Park and the atmosphere they’ll bring.
“We’re determined to play our part in creating a tournament to remember, one that will be brilliant both on and off the pitch. Euro 2028 will be an unforgettable summer of football, for players, supporters, and everyone across our communities.”