UEFA today ratified the UK and Ireland’s pioneering, five-association joint bid to host the prestigious tournament in five years.

The international sporting spotlight is therefore set to fall on the city of Liverpool once again, with the Blues’ stunning new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock confirmed as one of 10 venues to stage matches.

Colin Chong, Everton’s Interim Chief Executive and Chief Stadium Development Officer, said:

“Everton Football Club is proud to be representing the City of Liverpool as an integral part of the UK and Ireland’s successful bid to host UEFA Euro 2028.

“We feel sure our iconic stadium will be a real highlight of the tournament and the prestige of being a host city will bring so many benefits, beyond participating in a festival of football.

“It will allow the club and the local authorities to build on the already transformational impact that Everton Stadium will bring to our city region and will inspire young people from our local communities.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added:

“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.”

Everton’s future home, located on the banks of the River Mersey, is fast becoming part of Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront and lies less than two miles from the city centre.

The 52,888-seater stadium, on track for completion in late 2024, will be one of the most accessible and sustainable sporting venues in the country.

Liverpool, which has a record of hosting international events, including the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year, will stage a fan festival throughout the championships, befitting one of the world’s most prestigious sporting occasions.

The city, which hosted matches in the Euro 1996 tournament and famously staged World Cup games in 1966, is part of a roster of 10 famous UK sporting cities as part of the winning bid.

They are:

Belfast, Casement Park (34,500)
Birmingham, Villa Park (52,190)
Cardiff, National Stadium of Wales (73,952)
Dublin, Dublin Arena (51,711)
Glasgow, Hampden Park (52,032)
Liverpool, Everton Stadium (52,679)
London, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,322)
London, Wembley Stadium (90,652)
Manchester, City of Manchester Stadium (61,000)
Newcastle, St James’ Park (52,305)

*Some stadia capacities have been adjusted for tournament eligibility purposes.

Jordan Pickford, Everton and England goalkeeper, said:

“It’s brilliant for fans across Merseyside and the north west that Everton Stadium will be a venue for Euro 2028 – and it’s a proud moment for the club too.

“Football means a lot to this city so it’s special to have such high-profile international matches played here.

“The England fans supported us all the way to the final in the last Euros, so I’ve no doubt fans across the UK and Ireland will ensure the tournament is another memorable one.”

Seamus Coleman, Everton and Republic of Ireland Captain, added:

“It’s fantastic news for the city of Liverpool and my home nation.

“Everton Stadium hosting international games is really special for the club, and it seems only right that this welcoming, diverse city is part of the tournament as football is such a huge part of people’s lives here.

“Hosting games in Ireland will be incredible too. It’ll be a real reward for football fans there who will bring their own unique passion and colour to the spectacle.”

The winning joint bid by the UK and Ireland set out a clear and compelling vision for the tournament:

“Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future.”

Key to this was a commitment to diversity, social purpose and innovation in delivering an outstanding UEFA Euro 2028 that will create unforgettable memories in sold-out, iconic stadiums in famous footballing cities.

The aim is to grow a more diverse and inclusive game as well as connect with new audiences and the next generation of fans – staging an historic event which will bring people together.

It will shine a light on Liverpool’s vibrant and welcoming culture, inviting fans to enjoy the city region’s famous destinations and landmarks.

The ambition is to create new opportunities to play football across all ages, genders and abilities and make football more accessible, fan and family friendly, and inclusive.

It will also provide longer term benefits through tourism promotion, social enterprise and other business and training opportunities that will provide people with skills for life.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City 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.

“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 tournament will be the largest major sporting event the UK and Ireland have ever jointly staged.

Pictured flying the flag for Euro 2028: L-R: Cllr Ruth Bennett, Deputy Leader of Liverpool City Council, Everton and Ireland captain Seamus Coleman, Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.

Seamus Coleman and Jordan Pickford have expressed their delight that Everton Stadium will host international games at Euro 2028.
The UK and Ireland bid to host the prestigious tournament was formally announced today, with 10 stadiums across the five countries.
And England goalkeeper Pickford and Ireland captain Coleman believe Everton’s future home, set to be completed in late 2024, is worthy of inclusion.

Pickford said:

The stadium looks magnificent and it’s great for us as a club, and for the city for the bid to be successful.

“I was fortunate enough a couple of years ago to play at Wembley, and that was pretty much like a home Euros, but to go around the country and play in front of your fans is special.

Coleman, also speaking on his first visit to the stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in north Liverpool, added:

“I am delighted at the news.

“It’s great for the city of Liverpool and for us as a club, and what a stadium to be a part of it.

“Obviously, being Irish as well I’m delighted to see they are a part of it, so it’s a great day all round.

“The new stadium here is incredible and how it has all come together is a credit to everyone involved.

“We’ve watched it all come together through photos and videos, but to be down here to see it and imagine the atmosphere is incredible and it will be a very proud day for everyone involved when we kick a ball for the first time.”

Both players admitted it would be a sad day when the Club leave their spiritual home at Goodison Park to relocate to the new stadium on the banks of the River Mersey.

Blues’ captain Coleman, who has been with the Club for more than 14 years, said:

“Goodison is special and always will be, but it’s up to us to make new memories here. It’s definitely a more modern stadium and it’s very exciting for the club

Pickford added:

“ We have so many memories of Goodison, but hopefully we can create our own memories here. It’s some project and everyone working on it is doing an amazing job.”