The Three Lions to Launch the European Championship 2028 Campaign at City’s Home Ground
The English squad will commence their Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the expected passage for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.
The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s match since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.
England are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Championship Opening and Rally
The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the site by around fifty protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the situation in Gaza.
Placards were displayed with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”
Tournament Fixture List
The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include Wales if they secure a place.
Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon.
It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers.
Participating Countries
The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.
The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on the tournament through the standard process.
Locations and Knockout Stage
The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.
The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.
Official Statement
“The event will be a competition for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its passion and power to bring people together.”
Over 3 million admissions, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to attendees.
