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The England national team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they attain the expected qualification for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their knockout stage opener would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Protest

The tournament was launched at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from Uefa and the organizing bodies were heckled as they approached the location by around fifty activists, who urged Israel to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will include the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement 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 households and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be set aside for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches held at every host’s main arena.

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

Leadership Comment

“This will be a competition for the followers and a festival of everything we value about the sport – its passion and power to foster unity.”

Over 3 million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be made available to supporters.