The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Stadium›Wembley Stadium
Sports • Stadium

Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium is a football stadium in Wembley, London, England, and is the national stadium of England.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wembley Stadium is a football stadium in Wembley, London, England, and is the national stadium of England. The current stadium opened in 2007 on the site of the original Wembley Stadium, which opened in 1923 and was demolished in 2003. It is widely used for football, rugby, concerts, and major international events.

History

The original Wembley Stadium opened in 1923 as part of the British Empire Exhibition and became one of the most famous football venues in the world. The current stadium opened in 2007 on the same site after the old ground was closed in 2000 and demolished in 2003.

Design and capacity

The present stadium has a seating capacity of 90,000 and is described as the largest sports venue in the UK. Its scale and profile have made it one of the best-known stadiums in Europe.

Events and uses

Wembley hosts England international football matches, the FA Cup Final, and other major football fixtures. It is also used for rugby and concerts, as well as other large events.

Cultural significance

Wembley is often described as a symbol of English football and has hosted landmark events across sport and entertainment. The original stadium in particular is associated with historic moments such as the 1966 World Cup Final.

Key facts

  • It is the national stadium of England and home of English football.
  • The current stadium has 90,000 seats, making it the largest sports venue in the UK.
  • It replaced the original Wembley Stadium, which operated from 1923 to 2000 and was demolished in 2003.
  • The original stadium hosted the 1948 Summer Olympics and the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final.
  • The new Wembley opened in 2007 and is owned by the Football Association.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Wembley Stadium located?
It is in Wembley, London, England.
When did the current Wembley Stadium open?
The current stadium opened in 2007.
How many seats does Wembley Stadium have?
It has 90,000 seats.
Who owns Wembley Stadium?
It is owned by the Football Association through Wembley National Stadium Ltd.
What is Wembley Stadium mainly used for?
It is mainly used for football, but it also hosts rugby matches and concerts.

References

  1. Wembley Stadium — https://www.wembleystadium.com/about/stadium-facts-and-features
    Supports: National stadium of England, 90,000 seats, major events hosted there
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Wembley-Stadium
    Supports: Location, opening date of new stadium, ownership/use, history of original and current stadium
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wembley_Stadium
    Supports: Ownership, 2007 opening, 90,000 capacity, national stadium status
  4. Wembley Stadium — https://www.wembleystadium.com/about/Our-story
    Supports: Original stadium opened in 1923, 100-year history, major historic events
  5. Wembley Stadium — https://www.wembleystadium.com/news/2013/apr/25/90-years-of-wembley-stadium
    Supports: Original stadium opened in 1923 and the current stadium built on the same site
  6. Goal — https://www.goal.com/en/news/wembley-england-stadium-capacity-location-facts-video-tour/blt43e09a395c17853e
    Supports: Location, capacity, home of England national teams