🔗 Share this article

The English squad will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they secure the expected qualification for a competition taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an English men’s game since May 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the national team for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their knockout stage opener would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they arrived the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were displayed with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Schedule

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will involve the Dragons if they make it.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to family audiences and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Venues and Playoffs

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches held at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a competition for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the game – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million admissions, a record for a Euro tournament, are expected to be made available to attendees.