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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship journey at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they achieve the anticipated qualification for a tournament taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s game since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to host the Three Lions for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The English side are set to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Rally

The event was inaugurated at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were barracked as they arrived the location by approximately 50 activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out 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 chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will feature the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will appeal to family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through that route.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“It will be a tournament for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the game – its fervor and power to unite individuals.”

More than three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to fans.