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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a competition hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not hosted an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to welcome the national team for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Demonstration

The championship was unveiled at an gathering in central London on Wednesday night. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the venue by about 50 activists, who urged Israel to be expelled from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were held up with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The first match of Euro 2028 will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the fans and a festival of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and ability to bring people together.”

More than three million admissions, a record for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be made available to supporters.