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England’s men’s team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they achieve the anticipated entry for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an Three Lions game since May 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to stage the Three Lions for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are set to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Demonstration

The tournament was unveiled at an gathering in central London on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they entered the site by about 50 protesters, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Placards were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of the European Championship will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature Wales if they qualify.

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

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help engage a wider spectrum of audiences.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the standard process.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a competition for the followers and a showcase of everything we value about the game – its emotion and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to attendees.