Wembley is 'SNUBBED as curtain-raising venue by UEFA for Euro 2028 - as tournament organisers pick Wales' Principality Stadium to host opener'

Cardiff are set to host the opening match of the next European Championship competition in 2028 after Wembley was snubbed for the grand affair, according to reports.

The Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital has been chosen as the destination for the opening game of Euro 2028 that will be held in the UK and Ireland.

Meanwhile, Wembley will host the semi-finals and the final of the competition, but the English FA also wanted to stage the curtain-raiser at the national stadium in London, as reported by the Times.

However, Wales have been given the nod by UEFA organisers who are keen to see the 74,500-seater stadium put on the tournament's grand opening display in four years time.

The stadium is frequently used to host Wales' international rugby matches, while football is usually played at Cardiff City's stadium, however, the Champions League final previously took place at the Principality in 2017.

Meanwhile, the Principality, Wembley, Dublin's Aviva ground and Hampden Park in Scotland look set to be given more matches at Euro 2028 due to concerns over Northern Ireland's ability to stage games.

Funds are trying to be raised to redevelop Casement Park in Belfast, but problems have been encountered and UEFA expect Northern Ireland will be unable to fulfil their hosting requirements.

Plans have been in place to build a modern 34,000 capacity stadium at the premises for more than a decade, but there remains uncertainty over who will fund the development and UEFA are keen to sort out match locations without delay.

The four matches that Belfast were due to stage are now set to be handed out across England, Scotland and Dublin.

All competing host nations will still have to qualify for Euro 2028 via the usual routes of matches with only two automatic qualification spots up for grabs.

The host nations that fail to qualify will be given one of two automatic spots that are being held in reserve.

However, in the unlikely event that three or more host teams fail to qualify then the two highest-ranked nations will be given the automatic positions.