Bucharest signed the commitment to apply for the UEFA Europa League final in 2026 or 2027. The calendar is tight, and the deadline for applying as a host city is 15 November, as announced by the local authorities.
Three other countries are applying to organize the events: Germany, Turkey and Scotland. Following UEFA deliberations, the host cities for the two finals will be announced in May 2024.
I am confident that, as in the case of the other sports events hosted by Bucharest, we will manage to create a pleasant experience for football lovers. It would be an honour for the Capital to host such an event that will improve the image of the city and attract tourists.
Nicusor Dan, Buchest City Mayor
The City Hall of the Capital has an ongoing protocol with the Romanian Football Federation and UEFA through which it undertakes to fulfill the general organizational aspects requested by UEFA, among them the start of certain investments to bring certain elements of the National Arena up to date, but also the development of the mobility plan dedicated to the event and the conclusion of the necessary protocols.
Bucharest also hosted a Europa League final in 2012 at the National Arena, Romania’s largest stadium, inaugurated on September 6, 2011. The capital also hosted the 2020 UEFA European Football Championship, as well as the matches of the U21 European Championship.
At the National Arena, the fixture between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao took place in the Europa League final that took place in 2012, scoring 3-0.
In 2024, the Europa League final will be hosted by Dublin, Ireland, and in 2025 by Bilbao, Spain.