In a historic move for European football, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland have secured the joint hosting rights for the Euro 2028 tournament.
Italy and Turkey will share the responsibility of hosting the Euro 2032 championship, as confirmed by UEFA during a meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday.
These decisions, marking a significant development in the world of football, come after both bid proposals faced no opposition. The official approval by UEFA paves the way for a thrilling decade of European football competitions.
Unopposed Bids Earn UEFA Approval
The journey towards these host nation selections began with Turkey initially bidding for both the Euro 2028 and Euro 2032 tournaments. However, last week, Turkey withdrew from the Euro 2028 bidding process, allowing the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to step forward as uncontested contenders.
The decision to focus on their Euro 2028 bid led Britain and Ireland to shelve their plans to host the 2030 World Cup.
Notably, FIFA recently announced that Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will host the 2030 World Cup, with games also taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the tournament’s centenary. Adding to the global football excitement, Saudi Arabia revealed its intention to bid for the 2034 World Cup.
Turkey Joins Italy for Euro 2032
Turkey, which had unsuccessfully bid for every European Championship since 2008, decided in July to join forces with Italy for the Euro 2032 bid, without specifying its stance on the Euro 2028 bid at the time. This strategic decision ultimately cleared the path for the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
England, last hosting a major men’s tournament in 1996, now eagerly anticipates the opportunity to showcase its footballing prowess on the European stage once again. The UEFA Euro 2028 tournament will feature six venues in England, with two stadiums in London and others in Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Birmingham. England recently co-hosted the delayed Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium, a testament to its capacity to organize top-tier football events.
Italy, having last hosted a tournament on its own during the 1990 World Cup, eagerly steps forward as a host nation once more. While they played a significant role in Euro 2020 by hosting matches in Rome, this will mark their return to the helm of a major international competition.
Turkey Celebrates Euro 2032 Hosting Rights
In response to UEFA’s announcement, Turkish Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak expressed his jubilation on social media, stating, “The heart of football will beat in Turkey in 2032!” He further extended gratitude to the friendly nation of Italy for the joint hosting endeavor, viewing it as an honor during the 100th anniversary of Turkey’s sporting achievements. The Turkish Football Federation pledged to deliver the “ultimate European Championship experience” to football fans worldwide.
Russian Bid Denied by UEFA
Russia had initially expressed interest in hosting either the Euro 2028 or Euro 2032 tournaments. However, UEFA subsequently announced its decision not to consider any bids from the Russian Football Union. This decision followed the suspension of Russian clubs and national teams from all UEFA competitions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Next Stop: Euro 2024 in Germany
As football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the next European Championship, Euro 2024 is set to take place in Germany, commencing on June 14 and concluding on July 14 next year. The Euro 2024 tournament promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle of footballing excellence as nations vie for European supremacy.
