🔗 Share this article

The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward passage for a championship staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an England men’s match since May 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to welcome the Three Lions for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Opening and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host football associations were heckled as they approached the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be kicked out 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 demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Fixture List

The first match of the European Championship will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will include the Welsh team if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, 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.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through the standard process.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals held at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a tournament for the supporters and a celebration of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and ability to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.