The gigantism of FIFA and UEFA comes with a high price.
After the tournament is before the tournament: While only the final match remains for the EM 2024, teams are already looking towards the future. In 2026, the largest World Cup ever will take place. More teams, huge distances between venues, epic dreams. However, for the EM 2028, reality is looming.
FIFA-Boss Gianni Infantino is already dreaming of an "epic" WM finale in the USA, but in Belfast, the next European Championship is already causing concern: As the EM in Germany comes to an end with the showdown between Spain and England at the Berlin Olympic Stadium, the next tournaments are casting their shadows.
Julian Nagelsmann had already set his sights on the next goal after the bitter elimination of the German national team against Spain in the quarterfinals. That he would not experience a home EM in his career was painful for him, as was "having to wait two years to become world champion."
Unbearable burden for teams and fans
For the first time, 48 teams will compete for the coveted trophy at the Mega-WM 2026 in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. With 104 matches, 39 days, and 16 venues, this mammoth tournament will set new standards in size. FIFA-Boss Infantino promised the football world "104 Super Bowls in one month" and followed with more superlatives.
The final at the MetLife Stadium of the New York Jets and Giants, which Infantino described as the "biggest game in football history," will be "epic, fantastic." The Azteca Stadium, where the tournament begins on June 11, 2026, is "a temple," he gushed. However, the burdens for the audience and teams are growing immensely. Long journeys, four different time zones, and the expected summer heat in many North American states are causing concern.
EM host lacks funds
Meanwhile, one of the next EM hosts is facing quite different problems. In Belfast, the venue for the EM 2028, reality looks quite different from the shining graphics. Where teams are supposed to face off in front of around 30,000 spectators, Casement Park has been falling apart since years. It is uncertain whether the planned new construction will be completed in time for the tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The reason? Money. As the BBC reported, construction costs are expected to exceed 300 million pounds (around 350 million Euros), which is approximately four times the estimated cost from about ten years ago. The Northern Irish government has pledged 62.5 million pounds (around 74 million Euros), the Irish government has promised 50 million Euros, and the GAA sports association will contribute 15 million pounds (around 17.8 million Euros) - together, less than half the estimated costs.
Six of the ten stadiums will be used in England, including Wembley Stadium in London as the final venue. Matches will also be played in Cardiff, Glasgow, and Dublin. And while the UEFA is already promoting "over three million tickets" to allow more fans "than ever before" to attend an EM final tournament, it remains to be seen whether Casement Park will join in the excitement. However, the UEFA representative Luca Nicola is "optimistic" that Belfast will be ready. Time is running out.
Despite FIFA's ambitious plans for an epic World Cup finale in 2026, the looming European Championship 2028 in Belfast is causing concerns due to financial limitations. On the other hand, UEFA is promoting the availability of over three million tickets for the EM final tournament, including in England and Ireland, aiming to allow more fans than ever before. [UEFA, FIFA, European Football Championship 2024, soccer]
