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The England national team will commence their Euro 2028 adventure at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they secure the expected qualification for a competition staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to welcome the England side for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Rally

The tournament was inaugurated at an event in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were heckled as they approached the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who demanded Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Placards were raised with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The opening game of the European Championship will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will attract family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that do not reach the finals through that route.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

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

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a tournament for the followers and a celebration of everything we cherish about the game – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be made available to fans.