Dublin to host seven games at Euro 2028 as tournament officially launched

HERE WE GO: Dublin will host seven games at Euro 2028, it was confirmed at the official launch of the tournament on Wednesday. Pic: James Manning/PA Wire.

Dublin will host seven games at Euro 2028, it was confirmed at the official launch of the tournament on Wednesday.

In what has been described as "the largest sporting event ever jointly staged by the UK & Ireland", the Aviva Stadium will be the venue for a number of significant fixtures, including five group games, one Round of 16 game and one Quarter-Final.

Activations took place across each of the eight cities where games will be played, with the Samuel Beckett Bridge and the Dublin Arena (which will be the name of the Stadium for the tournament) amongst landmarks lit up from 20:28 to officially launch the tournament on Wednesday.

So far Ireland have competed in three UEFA Euro tournaments - 1988, 2012, 2016 - and excitement is already building for fans hoping to see the team compete on home soil.

Following an independent assessment, it is anticipated these finals will generate €449 million of socio-economic benefits for Ireland (€4.1 billion overall for the UK and Ireland) between 2028 and 2031 with the benefits including job creation, direct expenditure from international visitors to the Tournament as well as significant positive legacy benefits for Irish football.

Ireland will invest up to €93 million to help deliver the tournament, including €6.2 million into social impact and community activity programmes.

"Bringing UEFA EURO 2028 to Ireland is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the fair city of Dublin, our country and our football to the world," said FAI CEO David Courell.

“Our amazing fans are known for their passion and we look forward to providing them, as well as the hundreds of thousands of people who will visit Ireland for the tournament, with the type of euphoric experience that they will never forget as we aim to play our part in delivering the best EURO yet."

Speaking following the official launch in London, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, added: “Today is a huge day for Irish football with the official launch of Uefa Euro 2028.

"Ireland is ready to play its part in delivering a world-class tournament that will excite fans and energise communities across the country. The Government is investing up to €93 million to make it happen, and I am confident the return will far exceed that, in jobs, tourism and pride.

“Earlier today I met with my counterparts from the EURO 2028 partnership to underline our shared ambition: to deliver the best Euros ever. This tournament will bring people together, boost local economies and showcase the best of Ireland to the world.

"Euro 2028 will be a game-changer for Irish sport, and a milestone in showing what Ireland can achieve on the global stage.”