🔗 Share this article

The English squad will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they achieve the expected qualification for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s match since eight years ago, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to host the national team for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are set to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would take place at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Rally

The tournament was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the location by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who demanded Israel to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were displayed with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help reach a broader range of fans.

Qualifying Teams

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

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be set aside for any that miss out on the tournament through the standard process.

Locations and Playoffs

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

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we value about the football – its fervor and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are expected to be made available to fans.