For the first time ever, a European Championships is due to be staged by multiple countries across the continent. In fact, there are a dozen host cities hoping to bring light and hope to economies across the EU this summer.
UEFA hand-picked the 12 following cities to stage group and knockout stage games, in an undisputed festival of football across EU nations and the UK:
London, Wembley Stadium
London’s revamped Wembley Stadium is arguably the centerpiece of the Euro 2020 competition. It will be staging most of England’s games, including a long-awaited clash between England and Scotland on 18 June, along with both semi-finals and the final on 11 July. The 90,000-capacity stadium is the biggest and most expensive of all host stadia at Euro 2020.
Glasgow, Hampden Park
Like Wembley, Hampden Park will also be home to at least two of Scotland’s group games at Euro 2020. The Glasgow stadium was once the world’s largest football ground in the early 20th century, but today holds what is considered a modest 52,000. Steve Clarke’s ‘Tartan Army’ came through the qualifying playoffs against Serbia. Football tipster Tom Love, who has offered predictions throughout the Euro 2020 campaign, correctly guessed Scotland’s game with Serbia would end in a draw after 90 minutes, with the tie eventually decided by penalties.
Dublin, Aviva Stadium
Dublin’s stunning new 50,000-capacity Aviva Stadium is a huge step up from its former Lansdowne Road home. The stadium is already no stranger to hosting major sporting events, having staged the 2011 UEFA Europa League final between Porto and Braga. It’s also been the home of the Republic of Ireland’s national team since 2010, but Stephen Kenny’s men frustratingly failed to qualify for Euro 2020.
Amsterdam, Johan Cruyff Arena
Amsterdam will be the home for the Netherlands in their group stage qualifiers at Euro 2020. The Johan Cruyff Arena, which is characterized by its sliding roof ? the first football stadium in Europe to have one ? is also due to host a last 16 encounter on 26 June.
Baku, Olympic Stadium
The likes of Wales, Turkey and Switzerland will be heading below sea level for their group stage games in Euro 2020. The Azerbaijani capital of Baku will be staging three group games and a quarter-final on 3 July. Its Olympic Stadium sits 28 meters below sea level, but has had no issues with hosting big games in the past, having staged the 2019 UEFA Europa League final.
Bilbao, San Mames Stadium
The Basque city of Bilbao and its redesigned San Mames Stadium will be the group stage base for Spain in Euro 2020. This spectacular new venue pays its respects to Bilbao’s rich sporting heritage, with a statue of Atletico Bilbao’s icon Rafael ‘Pichichi’ Moreno still standing proudly.
Bucharest, National Arena Bucharest
The Romanian capital of Bucharest will have its National Arena showcased throughout Euro 2020. This impressive venue will stage group games involving Austria, North Macedonia and Ukraine, as well as a last 16 knockout game. Unfortunately for the Romanian people, like the Irish, their nation failed to qualify for the tournament.
Budapest, Puskas Ferenc Stadion
Hungary’s state-of-the-art 68,000-capacity Puskas Ferenc Stadion will be hosting three Group F games, as well as a last 16 knockout game like Bucharest. Budapest’s newest stadium is named after the nation’s most famous football export, who shone for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Copenhagen, Parken
Parken is one of the most iconic and traditional European football stadiums. Located in the Danish capital of Copenhagen, Parken’s steep stands generate a tremendous atmosphere from all four sides, despite its modest 38,000 capacity. Parken will be the group stage base for Denmark, before hosting one knockout game in the last 16.
Munich, Allianz Arena
Munich’s 75,000-seater Allianz Arena, opened in 2005, will be the base for Group F, which is perceived as the ‘group of death’, involving Germany, France and Portugal. It will also be the home of a quarter-final clash on 2 July.
Rome, Stadio Olimpico
Rome’s Stadio Olimpico is a colosseum of a football stadium. The Italian host entry, the Stadio Olimpico is one of sport’s most historic venues, dating back to the early 1950s. It will be staging the inaugural game of the tournament in Group A, followed by two more group games and a quarter final.
Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg Stadium
The spaceship-style Saint Petersburg Stadium, designed by Asian architect Kisho Kurokawa, was constructed nearby the Gulf of Finland in aid of Russia’s 2018 FIFA World Cup bid. The 56,000-capacity arena will also host four Euro 2020 games, including three Group B games and a quarter final.
It will be fascinating to see how the continent comes together to celebrate its most popular sport, giving much-needed boosts to economies from east to west.
