🔗 Share this article

The English squad will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they attain the relatively straightforward entry for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s game since May 2016, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to welcome the Three Lions for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their knockout stage opener would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Demonstration

The championship was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the location by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were held up with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The first match of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract households and help connect with a more diverse set of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we value about the game – its fervor and power to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.