Report: Euro 2028 is coming to St. James' Park

The joint UK and Ireland bid for hosting the UEFA European Championship in 2028 has taken a significant stride forward this morning.

The path is now clear for the UK & Ireland

Turkey, the primary competitor to the bid, has decided to withdraw from the 2028 race to collaborate with Italy on a new proposal to co-host Euro 2032 instead.

This means that the UK and Ireland are now the sole contenders for the prestigious tournament's hosting rights.

The formal decision, which is expected next week, will almost certainly see the nations jointly hosting the competition for the first time in history.

Matches will take place across five countries

Euro 2028 is set to span across the British Isles, with matches scheduled in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Ten iconic stadiums have been chosen for the purpose:

• England: Bramley Moore Dock (Liverpool), Old Trafford (Manchester), St. James' Park (Newcastle upon Tyne), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London), Villa Park (Birmingham), Wembley Stadium (London)
• Northern Ireland: Casement Park (Belfast)
• Republic of Ireland: Aviva Stadium (Dublin)
• Scotland: Hampden Park (Glasgow)
• Wales: Principality Stadium (Cardiff)
  

Memories of Euro '96 have been evoked

The selection of St. James’ Park is particularly noteworthy, as the last time the home of Newcastle United featured in an international major tournament was during Euro '96.

Games from that tournament are still etched in the memories of fans of a certain vintage, particularly England's 2-0 win over Scotland and 4-1 demolition of the Netherlands in the group stage at the old Wembley.

St. James' was the backdrop for clashes featuring France, Bulgaria, and Romania. Legendary players such as Zinedine Zidane, Gheorghe Hagi, and Hristo Stoichkov graced the hallowed turf at Gallowgate and more will surely do the same in 2028.