🔗 Share this article

The England national team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, 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 welcomed an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their knockout stage opener would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Opening and Demonstration

The tournament was unveiled at an gathering in central London on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they entered the site by about 50 activists, who demanded the Israeli team to be removed from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Schedule

The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will include Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will appeal to families and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight staged at each country’s national stadium.

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

Tournament Vision

“It will be a competition for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the football – its emotion and power to bring people together.”

In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are projected to be offered to supporters.