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The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a competition staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to welcome the England side for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their round of 16 match would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Championship Opening and Protest

The championship was launched at an event in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the location by approximately 50 activists, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Event Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve the Welsh team if they make it.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will appeal to family audiences and help reach a wider spectrum of audiences.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are due 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 qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Venues and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches held at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in Belfast, which was dropped as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the followers and a celebration of everything we love about the sport – its emotion and power to foster unity.”

Over 3 million admissions, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to attendees.