The city of Liverpool will give fans “something truly memorable to celebrate” as it was confirmed Everton Stadium will form part of the UK and Ireland’s hosting of UEFA EURO 2028.
It was announced that Everton Football Club will host matches at a major international tournament for the first time in 62 years with the UK and the Republic of Ireland officially being announced as hosts of the 2028 European Championships.
The club’s brand new home, scheduled for completion next year, will be one of 10 stadiums to host games when the tournament rolls around in five years’ time, while Anfield misses out.
The city’s political leaders have expressed their delight at the 52,888 seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock being part of the bid and the potential impact it could have for Liverpool.
Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council said, “It is absolutely fantastic news that the UK and Ireland are to host UEFA EURO 2028 – with Liverpool to play a pivotal part of that tournament. Our city has football in its DNA and fans from across Europe and beyond know they can expect an amazing welcome and celebration of sport and culture.”
The five-nation bid had run unopposed for the last six days after rivals Turkey withdrew to launch a joint bid with Italy for the following finals in 2032 with no opposition for that tournament. Everton last hosted a tournament fixture during the 1966 World Cup when footballing greats Eusebio and Pele graced the Goodison Park pitch.
Cllr Robinson said Liverpool had a long history of providing groundbreaking European events, as recently as this summer. He said: “From European Capital of Culture to Eurovision, Liverpool has an unrivalled track record in delivering diverse and inclusive events on behalf of Europe.
“UEFA EURO 2028 in Liverpool is going to be much more than games taking place on the pitch. We’ll develop a programme that will involve the whole city and wider Liverpool City Region that will give fans and visitors something truly memorable to celebrate.”
The city last hosted major tournament football during Euro 96 when Anfield hosted four matches, including a quarter final.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said, “Few places have made a bigger impact on English – and European – football than the Liverpool City Region. Quite simply, nowhere is more qualified or experienced to host one of Europe’s biggest sporting spectacles than us.
“From the Grand National, to Eurovision and The Open, we’ve proven time and again that we have the capability, creativity and culture to put on unforgettable spectacles for visitors from around the world. Everton’s new stadium is already shaping up to be a world-class venue and I can think of no better opportunity to show why our region is the perfect place for football fans – both on and off the pitch – than EURO 2028.”
Image: Cllr Ruth Bennett with Seamus Coleman and Jordan Pickford, alongside Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram
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