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England’s men’s team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

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

The English side are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Protest

The event was launched at an event in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they entered the venue by approximately 50 activists, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Placards were displayed with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will appeal to family audiences and help connect with a more diverse set of fans.

Host Nations

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through the qualification path.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight held at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a showcase of everything we value about the football – its emotion and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to attendees.