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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they attain the relatively straightforward passage for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the Three Lions for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, if they top their group, their round of 16 match would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Rally

The championship was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the location by around fifty activists, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Tournament Schedule

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help reach a broader range of fans.

Qualifying Teams

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

All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Leadership Comment

“This will be a competition for the supporters and a showcase of everything we value about the game – its passion and capacity to bring people together.”

More than three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be offered to supporters.