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The England national team will commence their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the anticipated entry for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an English men’s fixture since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to welcome the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Launch and Rally

The event was unveiled at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the site by about 50 activists, who urged Israel to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Tournament Schedule

The first match of the tournament will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract families and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through that route.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a tournament for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its emotion and capacity to bring people together.”

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to attendees.