UEFA EURO 2028: How Does It Work, Format, Qualifying, Host Cities, Final

The UEFA European Championship is returning in 2028—and this time, it's going to be special. EURO 2028 will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, promising fans a unique and unforgettable tournament across some of football’s most iconic cities. With 24 teams, dramatic matchups, and plenty of excitement ahead, here's a full breakdown of how EURO 2028 will work—from qualification to the final.

How Does UEFA EURO 2028 Work?

EURO 2028 will follow a format similar to recent editions. A total of 24 teams will take part in the tournament. These teams will be split into six groups of four, with each team playing three group matches.

Once the group stage wraps up, the top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the Round of 16. To complete the knockout bracket, the four best third-placed teams will also move on.

From there, it’s win or go home—with single-elimination matches through the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately the final. The format ensures that every game matters and provides plenty of opportunities for drama and surprises.

UEFA EURO 2028 Qualification Format

Getting to the final tournament is no easy feat. The UEFA Executive Committee has confirmed the qualification system for EURO 2028, which will feature 12 qualifying groups, each made up of four or five teams.

Interestingly, the host nations – England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – will also take part in qualifying, though they’ll be drawn into separate groups to avoid overlap.

Here’s how teams can make it to EURO 2028:

• The 12 group winners and 8 best runners-up will qualify directly.
• The top-performing host nations who don't automatically qualify will receive two spots.
• The remaining spots (2 to 4) will be decided through play-offs, depending on how many hosts need the reserved slots.

Play-Off Scenarios

There are three possible play-off setups:

• If both host spots are used, eight teams will compete in two mini-tournaments (semi-finals and finals) for two places.
• If one host slot is used, twelve teams will be split into three paths, competing for three spots.
• If no host slots are used: eight teams will play four two-legged ties, with each winner heading to EURO 2028.

These play-offs will include teams based on their qualifying performance and their standings in the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League.

How Many Teams Qualify for UEFA EURO 2028 Group Stage?

A total of 24 teams will compete in the group stage of EURO 2028. These include the top teams from the qualifiers, host nations (if needed), and the winners of the play-offs. This mix ensures we’ll see both traditional powerhouses and possible underdog stories.

What Are the Dates for EURO 2028?

The exact match dates haven’t been revealed yet. However, UEFA has announced that the full tournament schedule will be released in autumn 2025. More details, including the official regulations, are expected before the end of the year.

Which Cities Are Hosting UEFA EURO 2028 Games?

EURO 2028 will be played across nine cities in the UK and Ireland, showcasing a wide range of stadiums. Here are the confirmed host cities and stadiums:

• London (England) – Wembley Stadium
• Manchester (England) – Etihad Stadium
• Newcastle (England) – St James’ Park
• Liverpool (England) – Everton Stadium
• Birmingham (England) – Villa Park
• Glasgow (Scotland) – Hampden Park
• Cardiff (Wales) – Principality Stadium
• Dublin (Ireland) – Aviva Stadium
• Belfast (Northern Ireland) – Casement Park

Each location brings its history and atmosphere, adding to the excitement of the tournament.

Which Stadium Is the EURO 2028 Final Being Played In?

While UEFA hasn’t officially confirmed the final venue, it’s widely expected that Wembley Stadium in London will host the grand finale. Known for hosting major events—including the finals of EURO 1996 and EURO 2020—Wembley is the natural favourite to crown the new European champion in 2028.

Who Is the EURO 2028 Mascot?

At this stage, UEFA hasn’t announced an official mascot for EURO 2028. Typically, the mascot is revealed closer to the tournament and often plays a big role in fan engagement and promotion.

Is There an Official EURO 2028 Song?

No official song for EURO 2028 has been released yet. In recent tournaments, UEFA has partnered with global artists to produce anthems that capture the spirit of the event, so fans can expect an update on this closer to 2028.