Wales cannot be Principality Stadium 'tourists' at Euros

Noel Mooney says Wales cannot 'turn up like tourists' if they host the opening game of Euro 2028 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive said he would like to see the men's national team play at least one game at the ground before 2028 and will consult fans about when that will be.

Wales will co-host the European Championships in two years' time alongside England, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland with Principality Stadium being confirmed as the venue for the opening fixture of the tournament.

Craig Bellamy's men currently host internationals at Cardiff City Stadium and have not played at the home of Welsh rugby since 2018.

"Our fans, our players, the FAW is really happy playing in Cardiff City Stadium," said Mooney. "That's our home, that's where we win games, that's when we qualify for things.

"I suppose it would be a dereliction of duty if we turn up on the first game of 2028 and we haven't played any football at Principality Stadium, that would be probably wrong."

Wales last played an international game at Principality Stadium in October 2018, a 4-1 friendly defeat by Spain.

Before that, Wales' previous appearance at the ground was a 2-0 European Championship qualifying defeat by England in March 2011.

Despite the disappointing record at the venue, Mooney is keen to turn Wales' fortunes around.

"I suppose the point is that when we do play the opening match in 2028, we don't want to turn up like tourists, like it's an away match for us as well," he said.

"We need to have a friendly or so before just to get the feel for the drive to the stadium for the players, what's it going to be like for the supporters, how the Red Wall are going to be in the stadium. It will be a case of just getting familiarised."

The chief executive praised the relationship between the FAW and Welsh supporters, explaining their input will play a key part in what game will be held at Principality Stadium.

Mooney said: "We want to make sure we do it in consultation, it will be the Red Wall's decision when we play there, we'll make some suggestions I'm sure, but hopefully we do get to play a couple of games."