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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they secure the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to host the England side for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would occur at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Demonstration

The tournament was unveiled at an event in a London landmark on the previous evening. Senior figures from Uefa and the host FAs were heckled as they arrived the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were raised with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will involve Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help reach a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Locations and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the followers and a celebration of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and power to bring people together.”

Over 3 million passes, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be made available to supporters.