Rome to host Euro 2020 opener, host city pairings confirmed

PARIS, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Rome's Stadio Olimpico will host the opening game of UEFA Euro 2020 and six host city pairings have been confirmed, the UEFA announced on its website after the Executive Committee made several decisions in Nyon, Switzerland on Thursday.

Brussels was ruled out as its Eurostadium project failed to meet the conditions imposed by the UEFA Executive Committee during a meeting on September 20, and the initially planned four matches (three group, one round of 16) to be held there have been allocated to London's Wembley Stadium, meaning the latter will host a total of seven matches apart from tournament's semi-finals and final.

After Brussels' exit, the remaining 12 host cities in six pairings, established on the basis of sporting strength and geographical considerations, were decided by means of a random draw.

Group A matches are scheduled to be held in Rome and Baku. Amsterdam and Bucharest will host Group B matches. Group C sees Saint Petersburg and Copenhagen as its hosts.

London and Glasgow will play hosts to Group D, with Group E and Group F matches slated in Bilbao and Dublin, Munich and Budapest, respectively.

According to UEFA, each qualified host country will play at least two matches at home. The full schedule, including knockout matches, is yet to be confirmed. Enditem