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The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 adventure at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they attain the expected entry for a competition hosted across the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the national team for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Protest

The championship was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were barracked as they approached the venue by around fifty activists, who demanded the Israeli team to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Tournament Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be used for European club finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help reach a more diverse set of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a tournament for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and power to unite individuals.”

More than three million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be made available to supporters.