Ireland to score big returns from UEFA EURO 2028 Tournament as Minister attends official launch in London
- Published on: 12 November 2025
- Last updated on: 12 November 2025
- €93m investment to net Ireland €449m in social and economic benefits
- Dublin to host 7 games including 5 group games, a round of 16 game and a quarter final
- World-class tournament to be one of the biggest sporting events ever held in Ireland
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’ Donovan, T.D. attended the official launch of UEFA EURO 2028 in London this evening (12 November). In addition, a number of activation events were held across the UK and Ireland including in Dublin to mark the official launch of the tournament.
The full match schedule has been released confirming that Ireland will host 7 games including 5 group games, a round of 16 game and a quarter final. All games to be hosted by Ireland are scheduled to take place in Dublin.
Following an independent assessment, it is anticipated UEFA EURO 2028 will generate €449 million of socio-economic benefits for Ireland (€4.1 billion overall for the UK and Ireland) between 2028 and 2031. Benefits include 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.
Speaking following the official launch, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, said:
“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.”
The Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, added:
“Today’s official launch of UEFA EURO 2028 marks a very exciting landmark on our journey to hosting one of the biggest sporting events ever held in Ireland. We are working with UEFA, the Football Associations and our Government Partners to ensure the tournament delivers a lasting legacy for football and encourages increased participation in the game across the country.
I believe in football as a powerful driver of positive social impact, and the Host Associations and Government Partners are committed to improving the health of the game and society for the long-term. In relation to economic benefits, hosting the tournament provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase Ireland and our world-class tourism and sport offerings to Europe and the wider world.”
All the games to played in Ireland will be hosted in Dublin. Reflecting on the importance of the tournament for the host city, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam said:
“Dublin is deeply honoured to be a host city for UEFA EURO 2028, and we are thrilled to welcome fans from across Europe and beyond to experience the heart of our vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming capital. The opportunity to host seven thrilling matches here will bring world-class football to our doorstep, but more than that, it will leave a lasting legacy for our communities — from stimulating local economic growth to fostering a renewed sense of pride and participation throughout Dublin. In 2028, Dublin will pulse with the spirit of the game, igniting a festival of football that reflects the passion, energy, and unity that make our city truly unique. EURO 2028 will not only showcase the very best of Dublin but will also affirm our place as a dynamic and forward-thinking city on the world stage.”
ENDS
Note to Editors:
The full Match Schedule and a central press release, published by UK&I 2028 Ltd and UEFA, are available here.