Cardiff's Principality Stadium is one of 14 venues named in an official Great Britain and Ireland bid to host the Euros, it was announced today.
Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have submitted a preliminary document to UEFA to stage the 2028 tournament. If successful, it could see Wales playing in a major finals in front of their own fans on home soil for the first time.
The bid document lists 'Cardiff National Stadium of Wales' as one of the grounds put forward for matches. The move mirrors what happened when the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus came to the Welsh capital, with UEFA rules dictating the new name with no advertising branding.
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There are 13 other shortlisted venues, which in due course will be whittled down to 10.
Nine English grounds are named, including Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and West Ham's London Stadium.
Manchester United's Old Trafford and Manchester City's ground are also on the list, as well as Villa Park, Newcastle's St James' Park, Sunderland's Stadium of Light and Everton's new home that is being built on Merseyside.
Scotland's Hampden Park, Belfast's Casement Park Stadium, plus the Dublin Arena, otherwise known as the Aviva Stadium, and Croke Park in Ireland's capital make up the list.
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The criteria is for 30,000 seats or more. Cardiff City Stadium, home of the Welsh football team, does not make the cut, despite meeting that requirement.
However, the 74,000 capacity home of Welsh rugby a mile up the road is included and is nailed on to make the final 10.
A joint statement from the five football associations involved in the joint venture, including the FA of Wales, read: "The bid sets out our clear and compelling vision for UEFA EURO 2028.
"Key to this vision is a commitment to diversity, social purpose and innovation in delivering an outstanding UEFA EURO 2028 that will create unforgettable memories in sold-out, iconic stadia in famous football cities known throughout the world.
"We are delighted that Government partners of the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and officials in Northern Ireland, support this bid. Together, we believe we can deliver a world-class tournament, and that hosting UEFA EURO 2028 will achieve a strong and sustainable legacy for football and wider society, helping to drive economic growth in local communities.
"Working with UEFA, our plan is to host a tournament that will be a catalyst for transformational grassroots football development – with a promise to share legacy initiatives with European national associations to accelerate growth across the continent.
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"The UK and Ireland’s track record of hosting successful major sporting events over many decades means we have the expertise and experience to take this world-class tournament to new heights.
"Our compact plan and pioneering, multi-partner collaboration can usher in a new era for the EURO. "
It continued: "Our stadia concept includes a proposed shortlist of 14 venues in famous sporting cities known throughout the world, including destinations that are home to clubs with great European football history and heritage. The plan ensures that our proposed cities and stadia are connected by direct, quick and sustainable travel links and accommodation that will provide an unrivalled experience for teams and fans."
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