🔗 Share this article

The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they secure the expected passage for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the Three Lions for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The English side are set to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Kickoff and Demonstration

The tournament was unveiled at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the venue by about 50 protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were held up with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the finals through that route.

Venues and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena finalize the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches staged at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a championship for the followers and a festival of everything we value about the game – its fervor and capacity to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million tickets, a record for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be made available to fans.