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England’s men’s team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not hosted an England men’s game since May 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to stage the national team for their first match on June 10, 2028.

England are set to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their knockout stage opener would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Kickoff and Rally

The championship was launched at an event in central London on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the site by approximately 50 activists, who called for the Israeli team to be expelled from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were held up with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The opening game of the European Championship will be staged at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will include the Welsh team if they make it.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are scheduled to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and Scotland would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, 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.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we value about the football – its passion and capacity to unite individuals.”

More than three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to supporters.