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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they attain the expected passage for a competition hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions match since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Kickoff and Demonstration

The tournament was unveiled at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were heckled as they approached the site by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel’s national side to be removed from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Championship Schedule

The first match of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will include Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to families and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Host Nations

The Irish team are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the finals through the standard process.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.

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

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the followers and a showcase of everything we love about the game – its fervor and capacity to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.