The Three Lions to Begin Euro 2028 Campaign at City’s Home Ground
England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.
England are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, should they win Group B, their round of 16 match would take place at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s ground.
Championship Opening and Rally
The tournament was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they approached the site by about 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the situation in Gaza.
Banners were held up with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”
Event Timeline
The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a game that will feature Wales if they qualify.
Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at late afternoon.
It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help reach a broader range of audiences.
Qualifying Teams
The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.
All four host countries’ teams will take part in the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the tournament through the qualification path.
Locations and Playoffs
Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground finalize the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals staged at each country’s national stadium.
The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.
Official Statement
“It will be a competition for the fans and a festival of everything we value about the football – its fervor and power to foster unity.”
More than three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be released to supporters.
