PRELIMINARY & MAIN ROUND

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, located in southwestern Europe on the northern bank of the Tejo River, near its meeting point with the Atlantic Ocean. Built across seven hills, the city is defined by its riverfront setting, historic neighbourhoods, and panoramic viewpoints. Its geographical position has long shaped its character, making it an important maritime hub and a bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

As a city, Lisbon has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once mainly associated with tradition and maritime heritage, it has evolved into a modern European capital that combines history with innovation. Cobblestone streets, azulejo-covered buildings, and iconic yellow trams coexist with contemporary architecture, creative industries, and a growing technology sector.

Lisbon is the political, economic, and cultural centre of Portugal. It hosts the country’s main institutions, leading universities, and key business headquarters. The city now stands out as an international destination for tourism, entrepreneurship, and global events, reinforcing its role on the European stage.

This vibrant capital is constantly renewing itself. The rehabilitation of historic buildings, the revitalisation of riverfront areas, and the development of modern residential and office districts have reshaped the urban landscape. Projects focused on sustainability, mobility, and innovation reflect the ambition to strengthen the city’s competitiveness while preserving its identity.

Today, Lisbon presents itself as a confident and forward-looking capital. A city that honours its past while actively building its future.

MEO Arena

Capacity: 12,000

About the arena: This multipurpose indoor arena is located in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal. It was opened for Expo ’98 under the name Pavilhão Atlântico and quickly became the country’s largest indoor venue.

MEO Arena has undergone several technical upgrades over the years to meet international standards for major concerts and sporting events. The venue features modern sound and lighting systems, flexible seating configurations, VIP areas, hospitality spaces, and advanced security and monitoring systems. Its adaptable structure allows it to host large-scale sports competitions, international tournaments, concerts, exhibitions, and corporate events.

One of the arena’s major advantages is its excellent accessibility. It is located just minutes from Lisbon Airport and is directly connected to Gare do Oriente, one of Portugal’s main transport hubs, offering national and international train connections. The venue is also served by the Metro, local and long-distance bus services, and has direct road access via major highways. This connectivity makes MEO Arena one of the most easily accessible large venues in Southern Europe for both domestic and international visitors.

The arena has previously hosted major handball competitions, including the 2003 IHF Men’s World Championship and the EHF European League Finals 2022. It is also a regular venue for global music tours and international cultural events.

Matches of the EHF EURO 2028: Two preliminary round groups and main round group