Arsenal declined to host Euro 2028 games
Arsenal opted against hosting Euro 2028 matches at Emirates Stadium, prioritising club interests over participation in the UK and Ireland’s staging of the tournament.
Instead of featuring in the lineup of host venues, the Emirates will remain available for concerts and other events during the summer, with a potential stadium expansion project also a factor in the decision, although it is expected to be completed by 2028.
The UK and Ireland will jointly host the tournament from June 9 to July 9, 2028, with games set to take place at Wembley Stadium, Hampden Park, Principality Stadium, Aviva Stadium, and a selection of club grounds across England.
Among them are Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park, and Everton’s yet-to-be-completed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Wembley is expected to stage the semi-finals and final, having done so in Euro 1996 and Euro 2020.
Despite the prestige of being involved in a UEFA European Championship, Arsenal have made a calculated decision to keep the Emirates off the tournament map.
Hosting a major event of this scale would have required extensive logistical planning, with potential disruptions to club operations. Instead, the club intends to focus on expanding its 60,704-seat stadium to better compete with domestic rivals.
Expanding the Emirates Stadium is not a straightforward process, with approval needed from Islington Council and Transport for London, particularly concerning Holloway Road Underground Station, which would require improvements to handle increased matchday traffic.
By declining to host Euro 2028, Arsenal have given themselves a clear runway to focus on these structural upgrades without the constraints of an external tournament.
In an interview last summer, Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke acknowledged the complexities of stadium expansion but confirmed discussions were ongoing.
“The internal conversations are starting to occur,” Kroenke said. “It is not an easy renovation, but we see the possibilities of what is there.”
Meanwhile, qualification for Euro 2028 remains a point of debate, with UEFA yet to confirm how they can guarantee all all five host nations – England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland – will definitely make the tournament.
Hosts normally get an automatic place, but that only applies to a maximum of two nations. It has been suggested that all four countries could enter qualifying with two spots reserved for any host nation that don’t make it (looking at you, Northern Ireland).
A new qualification system will feature 12 groups of four or five teams, with group winners qualifying automatically and runners-up either securing direct entry or competing in playoffs.
-
Dan Lanning explains reasoning behind hosting spring games at Oregon
Dan Lanning explains reasoning behind hosting spring games at OregonYahoo Sports - 1d -
Pete Buttigieg declines Senate run in Michigan
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced he will not run for Senate in Michigan, keeping the door open for a potential presidential run in 2028.The Hill - 1d -
‘They are potentially the best team’ – Everton boss Sørensen full of respect for opponents Arsenal
Everton manager Brian Sørensen says that latest opponents Arsenal are potentially the best team in the Barclays Women’s Super League.The Toffees play host to The Gunners in their latest league fixt...Yahoo Sports - 13h -
🚨 WSL: Liverpool stun rivals Man Utd; Arsenal win at Everton
There were two high-anticipated WSL matches Friday evening to get the weekend underway, as Everton hosted Arsenal and Liverpool took on rivals Manchester United. Here is what went down in the two ...Yahoo Sports - 1h -
Maresca on 'big gap' between Chelsea and Arsenal, Palmer and titles
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has spoken to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Arsenal (kick-off 13:30 GMT). Maresca expects Arsenal to play the game with a high press and to be ...Yahoo Sports - 9h -
How to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea: TV channel and live stream for Premier League derby
Arsenal will aim to return to winning ways when they host rivals Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.The Gunners are presently second in the table, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, ...Yahoo Sports - 2h -
Sterling makes his mark against PSV as Arsenal stroll into quarter-finals
On a night when Arsenal ended the game with four left-backs on the pitch, this may not have been the biggest stage of Raheem Sterling’s illustrious career. But after a dismal loan spell from ...The Guardian - 2d -
Cole Palmer To Start? | 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Against Arsenal
Chelsea will travel to the Emirates Stadium to face off against Arsenal in their upcoming game of the English Premier League 2024/25 season. The Blues are fourth in the points table with 49 points ...Yahoo Sports - 1h -
Iowa Football: Top Wide Receivers in 2028
Iowa Preps has updated our list of the top football players within the Class of 2028 now!SUBSCRIBERS: CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE!---------------------- What other coverage am I ...Yahoo Sports - 23h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Drake women's basketball team beats Illinois State in Missouri Valley Tournament opener
Katie Dinnebier and Anna Miller combined for 43 points to lead Drake to a victory at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Evansville, Ind.Yahoo Sports - 24m -
England U20’s Six Nations title and Grand Slam hopes over after fractious defeat by Wales
England Under-20 had their Grand Slam dreams dashed by an inspired Wales performance as tempers frayed at a raucous Cardiff Arms Park.Yahoo Sports - 28m -
Tennessee advances to SEC Tournament semifinals after never trailing to Texas
Tennessee does not trail in win against Texas in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals.Yahoo Sports - 28m -
Eagles agree to terms with returner Avery Williams
The Eagles have signed returner Avery Williams to a one-year deal, his agency, Aura Sports Group, announced.Yahoo Sports - 28m -
Broncos tweet thank you message to 4 departing free agents
The Broncos shared a thank you message to four of their departing free agents.Yahoo Sports - 29m
More in Sports
-
Bracketology: UNC's win pushes Xavier and Indiana to the brink
Indiana drops down to take the "second team out" spot as UNC bumps up after a win over Wake Forest.ESPN - 22m -
Drake women's basketball team beats Illinois State in Missouri Valley Tournament opener
Katie Dinnebier and Anna Miller combined for 43 points to lead Drake to a victory at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Evansville, Ind.Yahoo Sports - 24m -
England U20’s Six Nations title and Grand Slam hopes over after fractious defeat by Wales
England Under-20 had their Grand Slam dreams dashed by an inspired Wales performance as tempers frayed at a raucous Cardiff Arms Park.Yahoo Sports - 28m -
Tennessee advances to SEC Tournament semifinals after never trailing to Texas
Tennessee does not trail in win against Texas in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals.Yahoo Sports - 28m -
Eagles agree to terms with returner Avery Williams
The Eagles have signed returner Avery Williams to a one-year deal, his agency, Aura Sports Group, announced.Yahoo Sports - 28m