Why the Euros coming to Liverpool is such a big deal 

Liverpool will be a host city during the UEFA EURO 2028 men’s championships with Everton Stadium taking centre stage.

With 60 major trophies* between them, Everton and Liverpool are amongst the most successful teams in the country and two of the most famous in the world. 

It’s fitting then that one of world football’s most iconic cities will be a host city as part of the UK & Ireland’s successful Euro 2028 bid. 

You might say that football really is coming home…to Liverpool. 

Here’s everything you need to know so far. 

What is the Euros? 

Second only to The FIFA World Cup in terms of prestige and viewing figures, The European Championship is one of the biggest tournaments in world football. 

Commonly known as ‘The Euros’, the Championship is a contest between men’s senior teams to determine the continental champion of Europe. 

Organised by UEFA, the Euros takes place every four years and has been won by ten different nations since its launch in 1960. 

Sadly, England isn’t one of them. But they came close in the most recent tournament, Euro 2020 when Italy beat them in the Final after a penalty shootout. 

The last European Championship in England was in 1996, with Anfield hosting four fixtures. 

Although England lost to Germany in the semi-final that year, Euro 96 is perhaps best remembered for what happened off the pitch. Dentist’s chair, anyone? 

Will it be good for the city? 

In a word, yes. According to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, Euro 2028 will deliver around £2.6 billion of socio-economic benefits to the host nations. 

Locally, the Liverpool City Region will undoubtedly benefit from the influx of match-day tourists, with bars, restaurants and hotels across the city set to be in high demand during fixtures hosted in Liverpool. 

Tourism promotion, social enterprise initiatives and other business opportunities will also provide longer-term benefits for the city. 

With a fan festival already planned, the tournament offers Liverpool another chance to show off our world-class facilities and put on an unforgettable show. 

Where will the games be held?

Ten stadiums across the UK & Ireland will host Euro 28 fixtures, including Everton’s future home at Bramley Moore Dock. 

The new stadium will have a capacity just shy of 53,000 and be one of the most accessible and sustainable sporting venues in the country upon its completion in late 2024.  

And, with an iconic location on the banks of the Mersey, the new stadium will be a firm fixture in the city’s world-famous skyline by the time the Euros roll around. 

Will Everton & Liverpool stars feature? 

Although Euro 2028 is five years away, there’s a good chance that Merseyside clubs have players on their current rosters who will represent the England national team in the tournament. 

On the blue half of Merseyside, Jordan Pickford, Dominic-Calvert Lewin, Ben Godfrey, and Jarrad Branthwaite are still young enough to make the England squad for the Championship. 

Meanwhile, Liverpool supporters hope Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez will be in contention for a call-up when the tournament comes around. 

Although neither team currently has Irish players in the first team, both clubs have strong academies. So, we’re sure there’ll be more Merseyside for the home nations to choose from five years from now. 

How is Everton’s new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock shaping up?

Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, and the 52,888-capacity sporting venue for the Blues is starting to take shape.

Work’s going to plan for the sensational £500m waterfront Everton Stadium, due for completion in the 2024/25 season.

The stadium will feature one, single-tier stand to the south, which will house 13,000 passionate Evertonians.

Everton Stadium will feature a ground-breaking re-set of football hospitality. The ‘ALL’ concept brings together the bars, restaurants and experiences that will be available for fans to choose from, providing the opportunity to tailor a personalised matchday.

How have city leaders reacted?

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council said: 

“It is absolutely fantastic news that the UK and Ireland are to host UEFA EURO 2028 – with Liverpool to play a pivotal part of that tournament.

“Our city has football in its DNA and fans from across Europe and beyond know they can expect an amazing welcome and celebration of sport and culture.

“From European Capital of Culture to Eurovision, Liverpool has an unrivalled track record in delivering diverse and inclusive events on behalf of Europe.

“UEFA EURO 2028 in Liverpool is going to be much more than games taking place on the pitch. We’ll develop a programme that will involve the whole city and wider Liverpool City Region that will give fans and visitors something truly memorable to celebrate.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:  

“Few places have made a bigger impact on English – and European – football than the Liverpool City Region. Quite simply, nowhere is more qualified or experienced to host one of Europe’s biggest sporting spectacles than us.

“From the Grand National, to Eurovision and The Open, we’ve proven time and again that we have the capability, creativity and culture to put on unforgettable spectacles for visitors from around the world. Everton’s new stadium is already shaping up to be a world-class venue and I can think of no better opportunity to show why our region is the perfect place for football fans – both on and off the pitch – than EURO 2028.”

Does England have a chance of winning?

Your guess is as good as ours! But one thing we can guarantee is that the countdown to the Euros 2028 is officially on.

Get our latest for Liverpool HERE.