The stadiums hosting the U21 Euros in Slovakia

As Slovakia prepares to host its biggest ever footballing event, excitement is building ahead of this summer’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship. For the first time in history, all 16 teams will compete in a single country, with matches taking place across eight cities from 11 to 28 June.

The stadiums are spread throughout Slovakia, giving fans across the country the chance to soak up the tournament atmosphere.

Host cities (source: UEFA)

Here, we offer a closer look at each of the stadiums:

1) Bratislava

Slovakia’s capital, home to almost 480,000 people, will be one of the championship’s main hubs. Its strategic location, straddling the Danube and lying close to Vienna and Budapest, gives it unique appeal. Discover Bratislava with our guide.

A proud footballing city, it is home to Slovak powerhouse ŠK Slovan Bratislava, multiple-time champions of both Slovakia and the former Czechoslovakia, according to public broadcaster STVR. Other historic clubs include Petržalka, Inter and Rača, though they now play in lower divisions.

Tehelné pole (National Football Stadium)
Capacity: 22,500

Tehelné pole (source: TASR - Lukáš Grinaj)

• This modern arena is home to Slovan Bratislava and the Slovak national team. Built on the site of the original Tehelné pole and opened in March 2019, it meets UEFA Category 4 standards.

2) Trnava

The oldest free royal town in Slovakia, Trnava has long been a religious and cultural centre. With a population of 62,955, it is the seat of both the district and the region, and home to Trnava University and the University of St Cyril and Methodius. Modern-day Trnava combines tradition with vibrant cultural life. Learn more about Trnava in our travel guide.

Štadión Antona Malatinského (City Arena)
Capacity: 18,100

City Arena (source: TASR - Lukáš Grinaj)

• Home to Spartak Trnava and regularly used by national teams, this stadium underwent complete reconstruction in 2015. For a time, it was the largest football ground in Slovakia. It includes a chapel, offering players a moment of reflection before and after games.

3) Dunajská Streda

Located in the heart of Žitný ostrov — Europe’s largest river island and an area rich in biodiversity — Dunajská Streda has 22,892 inhabitants. Known for its thermal baths and historic water mills, the town’s name reflects its mediaeval privilege to host weekly markets every Wednesday. Explore the Trnava Region — read the full guide.

DAC Arena
Capacity: 12,525

DAC Arena (source: TASR - Jakub Kotian)

• Home of DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda, this modern ground reopened in 2019 after extensive renovation and now meets UEFA Category 4 criteria.

4) Nitra

Slovakia’s oldest city and now a key economic hub in the west, Nitra has 76,499 residents. It is a university town and home to many agricultural research institutions. Rich in cultural life, it hosts major events such as the Theatre Nitra festival and the Agrokomplex fair. Your guide to Nitra awaits.

Štadión pod Zoborom
Capacity: 7,246

TASR - Nitra stadium (source: Henrich Mišovič)

• Opened in 2018, this refurbished stadium is home to lower-tier sides FC Nitra and AC Nitra, as well as American football team Nitra Knights.

5) Trenčín

Nestled in the heart of the Považie region, Trenčín is crowned by its majestic castle, which watches over the city from high above. Modern Trenčín is shaped by the Váh River and centred around its lively Štúrovo Square. Home to 54,065 residents, it is the seat of both district and regional government and boasts Trenčín University. Every summer since 1997, the city has also hosted Pohoda, one of Slovakia’s largest music festivals, at its airport. Get to know Trenčín.

Štadión na Sihoti
Capacity: 6,366

Štadión na Sihoti (source: TASR - Radovan Stoklasa)

• AS Trenčín call this their home. The stadium has undergone gradual renovation since 2016 and has been hosting competitive matches again since 2021.

6) Žilina

Dubbed the “Pearl on the Váh”, Žilina stands proudly where the Váh, Kysuca and Rajčianka rivers meet. Often described as the gateway to the stunning Malá Fatra mountains, it is famed for its natural beauty and sweeping vistas. Learn more about Žilina in our travel guide.

With a population of 80,342, Žilina is Slovakia’s fourth largest city. It is home to the University of Žilina and, since 2008, the Žilina Diocese. On the pitch, MŠK Žilina are seven-time national champions and once graced the UEFA Champions League group stage, according to public broadcaster STVR.

Štadión MŠK Žilina
Capacity: 11,200

Žilina stadium (source: TASR - Daniel Stehlik)

• Extensively modernised between 2006 and 2009, the stadium once met UEFA standards for international fixtures and even hosted Slovakia’s senior team while Bratislava and Trnava rebuilt their grounds.

7) Košice

Known as the “Metropolis of the East”, Košice is steeped in stories. Twice in recent history it has taken centre stage — first in 2013 as European Capital of Culture, then in 2016 as European City of Sport. It is home to three universities.

With a population of 225,044, Košice is Slovakia’s second largest city and sits astride the Hornád River. Each autumn since 1924, the city has hosted the International Peace Marathon, Europe’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest marathon. Get to know Košice.

Košická futbalová aréna
Capacity: 12,658

• This multi-purpose stadium was completed in two phases, with the final sections opened in March 2024. Rated UEFA Category 4, it now serves FC Košice and has already hosted Ukrainian clubs in European competition.

8) Prešov

Slovakia’s third largest city, with 82,286 residents, Prešov serves as the administrative heart of the country’s largest region. It also stands at the centre of the historic Šariš area.

Modern Prešov is marked by history and culture alike. In 1995 and 2021, the city welcomed Popes John Paul II and Francis respectively. It is also home to twelve theatres, including the unique Alexander Duchnovič Theatre, the world’s only professional Rusyn stage. Discover the Tatras region with our guide.

Tatran Aréna
Capacity: 6,448

Tatran Aréna (source: TASR - Veronika Mihaliková)

• Rebuilt on the site of the city’s old stadium, Tatran Aréna rose after years of planning and demolition. Construction began in July 2023, with the U21 Euros acting as both catalyst and deadline. The arena was officially inaugurated on 3 May with a ceremonial match between Prešov’s legends and a Slovak select XI.