Cardiff is expected to host the opening ceremony of the UEFA Euro 2028 football tournament, according to details shared during a Senedd meeting.

Wales is already set to co-host the event alongside England, Ireland, and Scotland. On Tuesday, Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, confirmed that Wales will host six matches during the tournament.

Conservative Member of the Senedd, Samuel Kurtz, went a step further, stating: "It's not just six matches of Euro 2028, but also the opening ceremony."

A representative from the Football Association of Wales (FAW) said they are "very confident" that Cardiff will host the opening ceremony.

Cardiff could host Euro 2028 opening match

The five-nation bid was the only official proposal submitted to host Euro 2028 and was confirmed by UEFA in October 2023 at a meeting in Nyon, Switzerland.

Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is one of ten venues selected across nine cities in five countries. It is currently the second-largest stadium among the selected venues.

The FAW had already been campaigning for Cardiff to host the tournament's opening game. The city is expected to host at least three group stage matches and a quarter-final, in addition to the ceremony.

Ms. Evans highlighted that hosting these six matches—and a stage of the 2027 Tour de France grand départ—is a "major achievement" for Wales.

"We can expect substantial economic benefits and a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors," she said.

Mr. Kurtz added, "These events are a great opportunity to boost our economy, promote Welsh culture, and showcase our stunning landscapes, communities, and world-class venues to a global audience."

The FAW noted that the full match schedule is still under development and will be finalized by UEFA’s executive committee in autumn 2025 as part of the broader tournament launch. Photo by Visit Wales, Wikimedia commons.