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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they achieve the expected qualification for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their knockout stage opener would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Demonstration

The event was unveiled at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were confronted as they arrived the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be expelled from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were held up with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The first match of Euro 2028 will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the standard process.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the followers and a showcase of everything we love about the game – its fervor and capacity to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to supporters.