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The Welsh capital will stage the opening game of UEFA's tournament, while semi-finals and final are set for London's Wembley Stadium

Nine stadiums in four participating countries - multiple British isles nations - will present the major competition

Games were earlier considered for Northern Ireland, but the proposed Belfast venue was excluded due to funding issues

The European football body's choice to stage the opening match in Cardiff was finalized as the championship was formally announced on Wednesday

"This will be the historic moment that '{The Red Wall' - our dedicated supporters - will experience a prestigious competition on domestic territory," remarked Welsh football governing body head official Noel Mooney

Different from past tournaments, participating countries must qualify for the future competition, though they would be assured to compete in initial matches on local stadiums if they qualify directly

The co-hosting teams will each be in distinct preliminary sections, with two spots also allocated for the best-performing of those nations who miss out through normal competitive channels

Competition Format

Last eight matches will be organized at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, Dublin's Aviva Stadium, Glasgow's Hampden Park and Wembley - which was used for penultimate and championship matches in the 1996 edition and for the rescheduled competition

Etihad Stadium, where the English side would play their opening group game if they qualify directly, before moving to the national stadium, is among several other venues being used in England

North London's venue, Birmingham's ground, Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium and Newcastle's stadium are the remaining locations that will be employed across the 51 matches overall

Financial Benefits

The national administration says it is investing £557m to organize the championship but expects a return of substantial economic impact due to employment opportunities, area improvement and tourist spending

"Euro 2028 will be the biggest sporting event ever co-organized by the UK and Ireland and, as a dedicated supporter, I know how much major events like this are important," commented UK Prime Minister

With an standard seating arrangement of just under sixty thousand, the governing body predicts that greater attendance than ever before will attend matches at a major tournament

Local Reactions

The Football Association's chief executive commented: "The scale of the tournament will have a really positive impact on local areas nationwide"

The parallel leader at the Football Association of Ireland, David Courell, continued: "The passionate followers are renowned for their passion and we look forward to providing them, as well as the countless tourists who will visit Ireland for the championship, with the type of euphoric experience that they will never forget"

The chief of the Scottish Football Association, Ian Maxwell, remarked: "There's frequent conversation about the power of football and the impact it can create on a consistent basis across the country, far beyond the limits of the stadium"

The entry selection will take place in the Northern Irish capital on the specified date