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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they secure the expected passage for a tournament taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Kickoff and Rally

The tournament was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from Uefa and the organizing bodies were barracked as they entered the venue by around fifty protesters, who called for Israel to be removed from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Event Schedule

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

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

Locations and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and power to bring people together.”

More than three million admissions, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to attendees.