Newcastle to host five games during UEFA EURO 2028 as preparations begin

Excitement is growing with less than 1,000 days until the UEFA EURO 2028 tournament kicks off in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

As part of the build up to the first game on 9 June 2028, UEFA has revealed that five games during the tournament will be held at the iconic St James’ Park – four group games and one Last 16 game.

The news came as Newcastle City Council and UEFA joined together to officially launch the tournament and unveil the host city logo for Newcastle.

The brand was revealed to more than 2,000 people at a special event held at St James’ STACK as part of a simultaneous launch involving the other seven host cities all unveiling their logos at 20:28 on Wednesday (12 November). The evening also saw the Tyne Bridge and Civic Centre lit up blue, one of the tournament colours.

UEFA EURO 2028 aims to be an unforgettable summer of football, with more than three million match tickets available for supporters – greater than any previous UEFA EURO tournament – while the tournament will create long-lasting benefits for communities through an incredible celebration of top-class international football.

It is anticipated that the tournament will generate up to £3.6 billion of socio-economic benefits for the UK and Ireland between 2028 and 2031.

Organisers also say that local businesses, supplies and communities within Host Cities will see direct economic gains, while dedicated training and volunteering initiatives will enhance skills development and open pathways into employment across the regions.

Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The announcement that Newcastle will host five UEFA EURO 2028 matches is absolutely fantastic news for our city. We’re a football-mad city, and as Newcastle United has shown, the atmosphere at St James’ Park makes it one of the most exciting grounds to play at in the country. Visiting fans love coming here, and we can’t wait to welcome supporters from across Europe to our wonderful city.

“As a lifelong Newcastle United supporter and season ticket holder, I’m thrilled that international football will be coming to St James’ Park on such a major scale. We all remember the excitement of Euro ’96, but UEFA EURO 2028 promises to be even bigger and better.

“I’m also delighted to see the official host city logo unveiled. The Tyne Bridge is such an iconic symbol for Newcastle. It represents not only our city, but our pride, our spirit, and our warm welcome to visitors. Seeing it featured in this way is truly special.

“We’ve all seen how visiting fans can transform our city during major tournaments, and I can’t wait to see the famous fan walks to St James’ Park and the atmosphere they’ll bring.

“We’re determined to play our part in creating a tournament to remember, one that will be brilliant both on and off the pitch. Euro 2028 will be an unforgettable summer of football, for players, supporters, and everyone across our communities.

“This is about more than football, it’s about showcasing Newcastle on the international stage. Hosting UEFA EURO 2028 will bring a huge boost to our local economy, with hundreds of thousands of fans bringing millions of pounds into our city, supporting local businesses, and helping to attract investment. It will have a lasting impact, inspiring communities and creating opportunities for years to come. I can’t wait!”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “We’re a region with football in the blood so fans will be excited to know we’ll be staging five UEFA EURO 28 games in Newcastle. I’m sure like me everyone will be wondering and guessing which teams will be coming to St James’s Park.

“The fact we’ve brought five Euro 28 games to Newcastle is good news for the whole region. We’re going to make sure we offer a true North East welcome so visiting fans can use this region as their base for the tournament, because that’s going to be a big boost to people who work in our hotels and restaurants.

“Most of all I want Euro 28 to inspire boys and girls all over the North East to get into football, with all the joy that brings. We’re going to make this the UK’s first Region of Sport and that’s about bringing world-class events to the North East and the spark that can fire with our children: Maybe the Lucy Bronze or Dan Burns of the future will start their journey watching a game at St James’ Park in 2028 then pulling on their boots for a kick-around.”

Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, said: “Today marks a proud milestone for football across the UK and Ireland as we celebrate the launch of UEFA EURO 2028.

“Working with UEFA and our football and government partners, we will deliver the best-ever EURO in 2028. It will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game – its passion, inclusivity and ability to bring people together.

“We are building an event of excellence and inspiration, a welcoming, safe and sustainable UEFA EURO that enhances football development and creates lasting community benefits far beyond the pitch. The countdown is truly on now to what will be an unforgettable summer of football.”

UEFA EURO 2028 UK & Ireland will also see the largest-ever Community Programme for the tournament. Social impact plans, to be delivered by local stakeholders in each Host Nation, will ensure the tournament is celebrated in hundreds of communities, placing the spotlight on football inclusivity, volunteers and community heroes.

The tournament will feature 51 matches overall involving 24 teams across 31 days with the home nations playing all group games in front of own fans if they qualify.