Elland Road could yet be used as a host stadium for the 2028 European Championships, despite Leeds United’s home stadium initially being snubbed for use during the tournament.

Wembley, the Etihad, and Villa Park are just a few of the stadiums throughout the UK scheduled to host games; UEFA passed over Leeds’ ancient home.

Casement Park in Belfast is one location, though, and there are currently rumours that the proposed renovation may not go on.

And Elland Road’s chances of being selected as one of the ten host venues for the 2028 event may now once again open.

Elland Road could host Euro 2028 fixtures

The Times reported that organisers of the event are worried about Belfast’s venue because construction on the £110 million, 34,500-seat stadium has not yet begun.

Although funding for the project is still pending, it is believed that backup locations for the stadium have already been planned, and it is doubtful that a different host city will be chosen.

Elland Road would be taken into consideration if Casement Park were to withdraw, according to Football Insider.

Highest Championship capacities, as per transfermarkt
Club – Stadium Capacity
Sunderland – Stadium of Light 48,707
Sheffield Wednesday – Hillsborough 39,859
Leeds United – Elland Road 37,890

Leeds’ stadium may be renovated and enlarged in time for the 2028 competition, increasing the likelihood that it will be chosen as a replacement.

Paraag Marathe, the president of the 49ers, has expressed in the past that he would rather see Elland Road expanded than a new stadium constructed.

“To be really honest with you, safeguarding Elland Road’s magic and electricity is the most important thing. The 49ers CEO stated, “I don’t want to take away that aura,” thus I think the best course of action is probably a stadium extension rather than a new stadium, according to Leeds Live.

Elland Road and Leeds can feel hard done by with Euro 2028 snub

It was a mistake to ignore Elland Road in the first place.

The iconic home of Leeds represents all that is great about English football. It feels like an authentic setting for some of Europe’s best players, with each stand named after a legendary member of the club: Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Don Revie, and John Charles.

Moreover, Elland Road has held international competitions in addition to some of the UK’s most significant matches, including the Rugby World Cup, FA Cup semifinals, and Euro 1996, to mention a few.

Fabrizio Romano provides Leeds United update on Willy Gnonto’s contract situation

The Whites and the Italian are getting closer to signing a contract.

The competition organisers ought to take into account Marathe’s ambition to expand the capacity. Elland Road expansion might be finished before the deadline of 2028, making the location a great fallback in the event that finance for the Casement Park development is not secured.

In the event that a new stadium is needed, the Leeds board ought to make a strong push, given the financial advantages of hosting an international competition at Elland Road. In the long run, the club might profit from sponsorship, attendance, and other business deals.

The status of Belfast’s candidature is currently uncertain, therefore Leeds supporters should keep a close watch on this issue in the upcoming months. A decision about Casement Park’s participation in Euro 2028 must be made quickly.