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The English squad will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they attain the expected qualification for a championship staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions match since May 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to host the England side for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

The English side are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Championship Opening and Protest

The event was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on the previous evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the location by about 50 protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were held up with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of the European Championship will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will involve Wales if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be used for European club finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the standard process.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we love about the football – its emotion and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to supporters.