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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they achieve the anticipated passage for a competition hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are set to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, in the event of winning their group, their knockout stage opener would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Kickoff and Rally

The tournament was inaugurated at an gathering in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were barracked as they entered the venue by around fifty protesters, who urged Israel to be expelled from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Event Fixture List

The first match of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help connect with a wider spectrum of audiences.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the football – its passion and power to bring people together.”

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