🔗 Share this article

The England national team will commence their Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament taking place in the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the Three Lions for their first match on June 10, 2028.

England are set to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Protest

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the location by about 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were displayed with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature Wales if they qualify.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to households and help engage a broader range of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a festival of everything we value about the football – its emotion and ability to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to attendees.