Liverpool has been confirmed as one of the host cities for Euro 2028 — but Anfield won’t be among the venues used for the tournament.
UEFA officially unveiled the event’s branding and full match schedule on Wednesday, with Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium set to host five fixtures — four group-stage matches and one round-of-16 tie, which could potentially feature England vs Wales if both nations qualify and finish second in their groups.
Why Anfield was ruled out
According to Mail Sport, Anfield was never in contention due to UEFA’s strict stadium regulations. The European governing body requires pitches for tournament games to measure exactly 105 metres long by 68 metres wide. Liverpool’s pitch falls four metres short of the required length, automatically disqualifying it from selection.
Anfield overlooked despite major upgrades
It’s a particularly frustrating outcome considering Anfield’s transformation since it hosted four matches at Euro ’96 — including one where Enrico Chiesa scored for Italy and another in which future Red Vladimír Šmicer found the net in a 3-3 thriller between Russia and the Czech Republic.
Back then, the stadium’s capacity stood at just over 42,000, compared to today’s 61,276 following major redevelopments of the Main Stand and Anfield Road Stand. However, despite its increased size and modernisation, UEFA’s pitch-size restrictions have left it off the Euro 2028 list.
For Liverpool supporters, it’ll sting to see Everton’s new ground taking the spotlight on the international stage — though Anfield hardly lacks global recognition given the club’s regular European appearances.
And while Italy might qualify for the finals, Liverpool’s current No. 14 won’t be able to repeat his father’s Euro ’96 goal-scoring feat at Anfield — not that Reds fans will mind if he keeps doing it for the club instead.
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