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The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they attain the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to welcome the Three Lions for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their knockout stage opener would occur at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Protest

The event was unveiled at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were barracked as they entered the site by approximately 50 activists, who demanded Israel to be removed from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Event Timeline

The first match of the European Championship will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will involve Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be used for European club finals from next season, will appeal to households and help connect with a more diverse set of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that miss out on the tournament through the standard process.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals staged at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a celebration of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and ability to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be offered to fans.