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The English squad will initiate their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the expected entry for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s match since eight years ago, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the Three Lions for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Rally

The tournament was launched at an gathering in a London landmark on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they arrived the venue by about 50 activists, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Placards were displayed with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The first match of Euro 2028 will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve Wales if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through that route.

Locations and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Tournament Vision

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

Over 3 million admissions, a record for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be offered to supporters.