The English Team to Begin the European Championship 2028 Quest at the Etihad Stadium
The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they attain the expected passage for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.
Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an England men’s fixture since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.
The English side are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s ground.
Tournament Launch and Rally
The event was launched at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the organizing bodies were barracked as they entered the site by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel to be expelled from international football because of the situation in Gaza.
Signs were displayed with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”
Event Fixture List
The first match of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include Wales if they make it.
Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm.
It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will attract families and help connect with a more diverse set of fans.
Host Nations
The Irish team are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.
All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the qualification path.
Locations and Knockout Stage
Villa Park and The North London arena complete the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.
The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.
Tournament Vision
“This will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we value about the game – its emotion and power to foster unity.”
More than three million admissions, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be made available to attendees.