The joint bid that saw the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland join forces to host the Euro 2028 ran unopposed as Turkey withdrew from the race to focus on a joint bid with Italy to host the Euro 2032. The UK and Ireland focused on Euro 2028, with Uefa's approval, after they ended a plan to be Europe's preferred candidate for the 2030 World Cup. The Wembley Stadium in London and Glasgow's Hampden Park hosted games in the Euro 2020. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said he would "like the national stadium of Wales to host the opening match" but that it is "up to Uefa" to decide. "To bring the tournament to Wales is a special day for us," he added. "We're excited. We've put forward a schedule of matches, we think Cardiff is perfect for the opener and we look forward to it. We hope by hosting, and having these big matches in Cardiff, we can bring Wales to the world in a way it hasn't been before," he finished. 

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Gareth Bale the former Wales captain who was present at the unveiling event said: “For me as a Welshman, I would love for Cardiff to host the opening match. We have the stadium and infrastructure for it.” It is worth noting that the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales have never hosted a major football tournament. Matches at Euro 2028 are set to be held at 10 different grounds, including Wembley, Hampden Park, Cardiff's Principality Stadium, and Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Belfast's Casement Park and Everton's Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, the former unbuilt while the latter is still under construction, were also included in the bid. England were the sole hosts for the 1966 World Cup and Euro '96. They were also one of the 11 countries to host Euro 2020 along with Scotland. They also hosted the record-breaking Women's European Championship in 2022. 

Turkey had initially bid to host the Euro 2028 tournament while Italy had only concentrated on the Euro 2032. Turkey then withdrew from running to host the Euro 2028 event last week after their bid with Italy for 2032 was approved by European football's governing body. They have 20 potential host stadiums, of which 10 will be chosen, five per country, by October 2026. Turkey hosted last season's UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan at Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium, but the nation has never hosted a major international tournament. The European defending champions Italy the Euros in 1968 and 1980 while the Stadio Olimpico in Rome was used as a venue for the Euro 2020 including hosting the opening match. Germany will be the hosts of the Euro 2024 with the most recent championship being played in 2021 instead of 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Germany have also hosted the FIFA World Cup twice before in 1990 and in 2006 and have also hosted the euros before in the year 1988. 

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(Image: Reuters)