England have been dealt a blow ahead of the European Championship in 2028, with UEFA set to award Cardiff the opening match.
There had been hope that Wembley would host the opener but according to the Times, Wales will have that honour with the Principality Stadium selected. Instead, Wembley will host the semi-finals and final of Euro 2028, which will be held in the UK and Ireland.
With problems over raising money to redevelop Casement Park, Uefa expect Northern Ireland to drop out as hosts, however. If that happens, the four matches that are schedule to be played in Belfast, will go to Wembley, Cardiff, Dublin and Hampden Park in Glasgow.
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England and the other host nations will still have to play qualifying matches for Euro 2028. Uefa will award a minimum of two automatic qualification spots, and will reserve them for any host nation that fails to make it.
If all three fail to qualify, the two best-ranked teams will take the reserve spots. Uefa are anticipating a huge influx for the tournament, especially from the United States.
For this year's Euro in Germany, more tickets have been bought in the US than in any other country apart from the hosts.
It was confirmed that England were one of the hosts for 2028, last year. Uefa President Aleksander Čeferin said: "I would like to congratulate the bidders and host associations, whose dedication, hard work and commitment have been duly recognised today.
"Together, we will create unforgettable editions of this great tournament that will unite us and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship."
