🔗 Share this article

The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the expected passage for a competition hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Championship Opening and Rally

The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the site by about 50 protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be expelled from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Placards were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will appeal to families and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Host Nations

The Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that do not reach the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its emotion and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million passes, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be released to fans.