The venues for Euro 2028 have been confirmed with Everton‘s newly-built Hill Dickinson Stadium set to host five matches, potentially including an England game. However, Liverpool‘s iconic Anfield home was absent from the list of selected stadiums for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The four countries were awarded the hosting rights in 2023 and further details have now been unveiled, including the tournament’s kick-off in Cardiff on June 9, 2028.
The grand finale is scheduled for Wembley a month later on July 9, 2028. Unlike during the World Cup in 1966 and the Euros in 1996, when England played all their home games at Wembley, this time around the Three Lions could find themselves playing matches in Manchester and Newcastle. Confirmed venues for the tournament include Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, Villa Park, St James’ Park and Etihad Stadium. Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park and Principality Stadium round off the list.
Despite Liverpool being named as a host city, the legendary Anfield was not included in the list of venues submitted to UEFA.
This omission may raise eyebrows, given the significant redevelopment the ground has undergone in recent years, boosting its capacity to over 61,000.
The reason it has been left out is identical to why it hasn’t staged Champions League or Europa League finals previously.
UEFA’s regulations explicitly state that the field of play must have the standard dimensions of 105 metres by 68 metres. Anfield’s pitch measures just 101 metres in length, rendering it unsuitable as a host venue.
The ground last featured in a major competition when England staged Euro 1996, hosting Group C fixtures involving Italy, Russia and the Czech Republic, plus a quarter-final clash between France and the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, it won’t be part of Euro 2028. Instead, Everton’s 52,769-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium will fly the flag for Merseyside on the continental stage.
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool city region, said in a statement: “Being part of another major international sporting event is a huge honour for our region and one we are immensely proud to be part of.