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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the expected entry for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an England men’s match since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to welcome the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, in the event of winning Group B, their round of 16 match would be held at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Launch and Protest

The championship was unveiled at an event in central London on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were confronted as they arrived the location by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were displayed with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The opening game of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will involve Wales if they qualify.

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

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help engage a wider spectrum of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the football – its emotion and power to bring people together.”

Over 3 million admissions, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be made available to attendees.