The Three Lions to Launch the European Championship 2028 Journey at the Etihad Stadium

The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament taking place in the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an English men’s match since eight years ago, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the England side for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would take place at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Rally

The tournament was inaugurated at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were barracked as they approached the site by about 50 activists, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were displayed with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a game that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help connect with a more diverse set of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Venues and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena round out the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a tournament for the supporters and a festival of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and ability to foster unity.”

More than three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.