Türkiye to host two major European football finals

Türkiye has been awarded the hosting rights for two major European football finals, the UEFA Executive Committee has announced.

In a meeting in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, on May 22, UEFA Executive Committee member Servet Yardımcı revealed that Istanbul will host the 2026 UEFA Europa League final and the 2027 UEFA European Conference League final.

The 2026 UEFA Europa League final will take place at Beşiktaş Park (Tüpraş Stadium), with the possibility of the 2027 UEFA European Conference League final to be held at the new Ankara Stadium, currently under construction. If the stadium is not ready, Beşiktaş Park will host both finals.

The selection process for these finals was competitive. Türkiye faced bids from Germany, Romania and Scotland for the 2026 Europa League final, and from Germany, Israel, Norway and Scotland for the 2027 European Conference League final.

The Turkish Football Federation's (TFF) efforts were crucial in securing these events, reflecting the country's organizational capabilities, modern infrastructure, and robust transport and accommodation facilities.

TFF President Mehmet Büyükekşi expressed pride in Türkiye's achievements, emphasizing the country's growing prominence in European football.

"As a result of our successful efforts for a long time, we have won the right to host the 2026 UEFA Europa League final at Beşiktak Park. We also won the right to host the 2027 UEFA Conference League final. This reflects our nation's growing prominence in European football," he said.

He also highlighted Türkiye's joint hosting of the 2032 European Football Championship with Italy and the national team's qualification for the 2024 European Championship.

"We have made our country proud by winning...