Wales to return to Principality Stadium for Euro build-up

Wales to Return to Principality Stadium Ahead of Euro 2028

Wales’ men’s national football team will return to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in the coming years as part of preparations for Euro 2028, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) has confirmed.

FAW CEO Noel Mooney revealed that playing matches at the 74,500-capacity venue will help Wales adapt to the atmosphere and conditions ahead of the home tournament, which the country will co-host alongside England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.

A Strategic Return to Rugby HQ

Though primarily known as the home of Welsh rugby, the Principality Stadium (formerly Millennium Stadium) will host six Euro 2028 matches and is tipped to stage the opening game of the tournament. Wales will guaranteed play there if they qualify.

Despite its iconic status, Wales have played only once at the venue in the past 14 years, choosing the more intimate Cardiff City Stadium as their primary home ground.

“We need to be used to that environment again,” said Mooney.

“Cardiff City Stadium will be our home, but we’ll look forward to playing [at Principality] before 2028.”

Wrexham Also in FAW’s Long-Term Vision

Mooney confirmed that the FAW is also exploring more frequent matches in Wrexham, especially as Stok Cae Ras undergoes redevelopment led by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The stadium will see capacity increase to 18,000, and the new Kop Stand will meet UEFA regulations—possibly securing its place as one of two Welsh venues in the UK’s bid for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Major Events in Sight: Women’s Champions League Final Bid

The FAW is also aiming for the 2029 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final to be held at the Principality Stadium. Talks with partners are ongoing as part of a broader strategy to enhance Wales’ presence on the European football stage.

Study: Football Now Leading Sport in Wales

Wales lost 4-1 to Spain in front of 50,232 fans in a friendly in their last game at Principality Stadium, in 2018

A new UEFA-backed Nielsen study reveals football has overtaken rugby union in participation and general interest in Wales. It is now the top sport for children, and fan engagement with both men’s and women’s national teams is at record highs.

“The game is growing exponentially,” said Mooney.

“We’re ahead of targets and going in the right direction.”

New 10-Year Strategy in 2025: Performance & Grassroots

The FAW will launch a new 10-year strategic plan in 2025, focusing on:

• High-performance development

• Grassroots investment

• Facility upgrades

• Domestic league funding

This includes a financial boost for the Cymru Premier and the Adran Premier (women’s top tier) to build on rising momentum.

“We have Euro 2028 coming, so it would be foolish not to plan for qualification,” Mooney stated.

He emphasized that new commercial deals, improved partnerships, and using cash reserves will fuel this long-term vision.

Summer Switch for Grassroots Football?

The FAW is also consulting clubs about moving grassroots football to a summer season, following last winter’s extreme weather disruptions, where 60% of junior and local games were cancelled.

“We’ll be led by the clubs,” Mooney said.

A decision is expected before Christmas 2025.

What’s Next?

With Euro 2028 on the horizon, a new national strategy, and growing commercial momentum, Welsh football appears poised for its most transformative era yet. The return to iconic venues, targeted grassroots upgrades, and inclusive national representation show the FAW’s commitment to both future success and community roots.