🔗 Share this article

The England national team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they attain the anticipated qualification for a tournament taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since eight years ago, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the England side for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, should they win Group B, their round of 16 match would take place at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Launch and Demonstration

The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they arrived the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature the Dragons if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would do the same at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Locations and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we love about the game – its fervor and capacity to bring people together.”

Over 3 million passes, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.