Even before it is completed Everton FC’s new £500m stadium is lined up to host Euro 2028 matches – but there is no place for Anfield on the list. Tony McDonough reports
Everton FC’s new £500m stadium is on a shortlist to hold matches for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament.
England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are combining to bid for the International tournament which is held every four years. The bid team has submitted 11 venues where games could be held.
However, while Everton’s 52,888-capacity arena is on the list, Liverpool’s FC’s Anfield home is not on the list.
This is despite it being one of the most famous football stadiums in the world that will have a capacity of more than 60,000 by 2028. However, it’s pitch is too small to meet UEFA’s criteria.
Cities and stadiums shortlisted in the bid are:
- Liverpool – Everton Stadium
- Birmingham – Villa Park
- London – London Stadium
- London – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- London – Wembley Stadium
- Manchester – City of Manchester Stadium
- Newcastle – St James’ Park
- Sunderland – Stadium of Light
- Trafford – Old Trafford
- Dublin – Dublin Arena
- Dublin – Croke Park
- Belfast – Casement Park Stadium
- Glasgow – Hampden Park
- Cardiff – National Stadium of Wales
Work started on Everton’s new home at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool Waters in summer 2021. It is now starting to visibly take shape on the waterfront. Everton hope to kick off the 2024/25 Premier League season at the stadium.
Prof. Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive of Everton FC, said: “We believe our new waterfront stadium and the city of Liverpool can offer resources and infrastructure that make it a perfect location for one of the most celebrated and anticipated tournaments in our sport.
“Everton has a rich and storied footballing history and, like our game, that is woven into the fabric of our city. Regardless of footballing affiliation, people in our region are not only passionate about their football but knowledgeable about the sport and, more importantly for a host city, are very welcoming.
“Hosting games at Euro 2028 will allow the club and the local authorities to build on the transformational impact Everton Stadium is already having on our city region.