🔗 Share this article

England’s men’s team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the anticipated entry for a championship taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an English men’s game since May 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The English side are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would be held at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Opening and Demonstration

The championship was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the location by around fifty protesters, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were raised with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Schedule

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will feature Wales if they qualify.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will cater to households and help reach a more diverse set of audiences.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its passion and ability to bring people together.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.