Two Turkish stadiums nominated to host UEFA Finals

UEFA has announced the candidate stadiums for major club finals in 2028 and 2029, with two Turkish venues among the contenders.

The Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium is nominated to host the 2029 UEFA Europa League Final, while Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park in Istanbul is in contention for the 2028 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final.

The Ankara 19 Mayis Stadium currently under construction, will follow similar stadiums in the USA and China to become the world’s third stadium with 285-meter steel roof span. (Photo via Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change)

The final host venues will be confirmed by UEFA’s Executive Committee in September 2026. Other European stadiums competing include Lyon Decines (France), Parc des Princes (France), Juventus Stadium (Italy) and the Bucharest National Arena (Romania) for the Europa League final Bilbao San Mames (Spain), Basel St. Jakob Park (Switzerland) and Lyon Decines are candidates alongside Istanbul’s stadium for the Women’s Champions League final.

Türkiye’s history of hosting UEFA Finals

Türkiye has previously hosted four major UEFA finals, demonstrating its capability to organize high-profile football events:

• 2005 UEFA Champions League Final: Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul hosted the memorable Liverpool vs. Milan final. Milan led 3-0 at halftime, but Liverpool staged a dramatic comeback in the second half to finish 3-3. Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties, with goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso, while Milan’s goals came from Paolo Maldini and Hernan Crespo (2).
• UEFA Cup Final (last edition before renaming to Europa League): The final took place at the then Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, where Shakhtar Donetsk secured the championship.
• UEFA Super Cup: Chelsea, the Champions League winner, faced Liverpool, the Europa League champion, at Vodafone Park. The match ended 2-2 in normal time, and Liverpool won on penalties. Goals were scored by Sadio Mane (Liverpool) and Olivier Giroud and Jorginho (Chelsea).
• 2023 UEFA Champions League Final: Ataturk Olympic Stadium hosted Manchester City vs. Inter Milan, the first Champions League final in Istanbul in 18 years, with Rodri scoring the decisive goal.

November 01, 2025 12:24 PM GMT+03:00