Will Wales Shine at Principality Stadium Before the Euros?
Published: 2025-09-16 16:40:42 | Category: wales
Wales is set to return to Cardiff's Principality Stadium as part of their preparations for Euro 2028, where they will co-host the tournament alongside England, the Republic of Ireland, and Scotland. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) aims to leverage home advantage by playing in the stadium, which has a capacity of 74,500, ahead of the competition. This shift follows the men's national team having only played once there in the past 14 years, as they have mostly used Cardiff City Stadium. The FAW is also planning improvements in grassroots football and facility upgrades to support the sport's growing popularity.
Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways
- Wales will play at the Principality Stadium in preparation for Euro 2028.
- The FAW aims to enhance home advantage by returning to the larger venue.
- Cardiff City Stadium will remain the regular home ground for the team.
- Investment in grassroots football and infrastructure is a priority for the FAW.
- Football is reportedly Wales' leading sport, surpassing rugby union in participation and interest.
The Importance of the Principality Stadium
The Principality Stadium, known for its retractable roof and vibrant atmosphere, has been a historic venue for Welsh rugby and football. With a capacity of 74,500, it is the largest stadium in Wales, making it an ideal location for significant matches. The last time Wales played there, they suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Spain in 2018, which marked the end of their football fixtures at this iconic ground for some time.
FAW's Vision for Euro 2028
Noel Mooney, the FAW chief executive, has emphasised the necessity of using the Principality Stadium as part of their preparation strategy for Euro 2028. He expressed that regular matches at the stadium will help the players acclimatise to the environment, which is crucial for performing well in the tournament. Mooney stated, "To do well at Euro 2028, we need to be used to that environment again having not played there in a long time."
Home Advantage and Qualification Prospects
Wales is guaranteed to play at the Principality Stadium if they qualify for Euro 2028, which is viewed as a significant advantage. The team has only played at the stadium once in the past decade, thus returning to this venue could help boost morale and performance. The FAW intends to capitalise on this home advantage, especially since Wales will be co-hosting the tournament alongside neighbouring countries.
Investment in Infrastructure and Grassroots Football
The FAW is also focusing on investments that will strengthen the football infrastructure in Wales. This includes enhancing facilities across the country and providing much-needed financial support to the men's Cymru Premier and women's Adran Premier leagues. According to Mooney, the association is seeking to "capitalise on momentum" and ensure that grassroots football continues to grow.
Development of Wrexham's Stadium
In addition to improvements at the Principality Stadium, there are ongoing developments at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, which is the oldest international football stadium still in use. With Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as owners, the stadium is undergoing renovations, including the construction of a new Kop Stand that will boost capacity to 18,000. This venue is also being considered as one of the sites for a UK bid to host the women’s 2035 World Cup.
Football's Popularity in Wales
A recent study conducted by Nielsen indicated that football has solidified its position as Wales' leading sport, surpassing rugby union in terms of both participation and general interest. The FAW has reported record levels of engagement with both the men's and women's national teams, with participation numbers showing exponential growth. Mooney remarked, "The game is growing exponentially; we're ahead of targets on participation numbers and we are going in the right direction."
Looking Ahead: FAW's Future Plans
The upcoming ten-year strategy, set to be launched next year, will focus on high performance and grassroots development. The FAW aims to bolster revenues through new sponsorship deals and improved partnerships, especially in light of the upcoming Euro 2028. Mooney stated, "We don't budget to qualify for tournaments, but we have Euro 2028 coming here and we know that we highly likely to play in it."
Challenges in Grassroots Football
While the FAW is optimistic about the future, they also face challenges at the grassroots level. The issue of cancellations due to poor winter weather has been a significant concern, with approximately 60% of games lost in December and January. As part of their strategic planning, the FAW is consulting with member clubs to consider moving the grassroots season to summer.
Conclusion
The FAW is committed to ensuring that football in Wales continues to thrive, with a focus on preparation for Euro 2028 and the development of grassroots initiatives. By enhancing infrastructure and leveraging the excitement surrounding the upcoming tournament, they aim to solidify football's standing as the national sport of Wales. As Wales gears up for this exciting period, the focus will remain on growth, community engagement, and competitive success.
FAQs
When will Wales start playing at the Principality Stadium again?
Wales will return to play at the Principality Stadium as part of their preparations for Euro 2028, with specific match dates to be confirmed as the tournament approaches.
How many matches will be held at the Principality Stadium during Euro 2028?
The Principality Stadium is set to stage six matches during Euro 2028, with the possibility of being the venue for the opening fixture.
What is the capacity of the Principality Stadium?
The Principality Stadium has a capacity of 74,500, making it the largest stadium in Wales, suitable for significant sporting events.
What are the FAW's plans for grassroots football?
The FAW plans to increase investments in grassroots football, including improving facilities and providing financial support to leagues like the men's Cymru Premier and women's Adran Premier.
Is football more popular than rugby in Wales?
Recent studies suggest that football has surpassed rugby union in terms of general interest and participation, solidifying its position as Wales' leading sport.
