Tottenham have the “best stadium in the country” – so why hasn’t it hosted a major final?

Former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet believes it is only a matter of time before Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosts a major football final, describing the north London venue as the best stadium in the country.

Spurs have played at their purpose-built home since April 2019, with the 62,850-capacity ground establishing itself as one of the leading sporting and entertainment venues in Europe.

Despite its facilities and reputation, however, the stadium has yet to stage a major UEFA club final, prompting questions about why such an impressive venue has not been selected for one of European football's showpiece occasions.

Poyet believes the wait should not be interpreted as a reflection of the stadium's quality, suggesting that UEFA's approach to distributing major events across different countries and venues is an important factor. 

Gus Poyet backs Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host major final

Poyet has visited the stadium on several occasions and has been left hugely impressed by what Tottenham have built, making a strong prediction about its prospects of hosting a major final.

“I think it's only a matter of time. They're trying to be fair to all the stadiums that were built before it, because there are many new stadiums and venues across Europe. They also need to change countries, but it will happen because the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is absolutely fantastic.

“I've been there a few times and, for me, it's without doubt the best stadium in the country.”

The ground has already staged a variety of major sporting and entertainment events, including NFL fixtures, boxing contests, concerts and rugby matches. 

Tottenham's venue has also been selected to host five matches at Euro 2028, comprising four group-stage fixtures and a last-16 tie, although the tournament final will take place at Wembley. 

Why has Tottenham's stadium not hosted a major football final?

There are several factors behind UEFA's selection of final venues, meaning that stadium quality alone does not guarantee an appointment.

The governing body considers factors including stadium infrastructure, accessibility, security, hospitality, transport links and accommodation in the host city. 

Its category-four classification is also important, as this is the required standard for major European finals. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium meets that classification, but it must still compete with other eligible venues across Europe. 

Capacity could also be a consideration for the Champions League final, with the stadium's 62,850 seats below the 65,000-70,000 range commonly associated with recent selections for the competition's showpiece match.

The Europa League and Conference League finals could therefore represent more realistic opportunities, given their lower capacity requirements and the range of venues UEFA has selected for those competitions. 

UEFA has already allocated several upcoming finals to other European cities, including Frankfurt for the 2027 Europa League final, Bucharest in 2028 and Belgrade in 2029. Tottenham will therefore have to wait for another opportunity to enter the bidding process. 

FGG Says: Tottenham's wait should not last forever

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has already demonstrated its ability to host major occasions, but securing a UEFA final would represent another level of recognition for the venue and the city.

Its capacity may make the Champions League final a more difficult target, but there are other major European showpieces that would suit the stadium.

With Euro 2028 already bringing international football to north London, Tottenham's supporters may not have to wait too much longer to see their ground host another significant occasion.

Gus Poyet was speaking to FGG on behalf of BetTOM