The Three Lions to Start Euro 2028 Journey at the Etihad Stadium
The English squad will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the anticipated entry for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.
Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an English men’s match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the England side for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.
The team are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win their group, their round of 16 match would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s ground.
Competition Launch and Rally
The tournament was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were confronted as they entered the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from global football because of the Gaza crisis.
Placards were raised with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”
Championship Schedule
The first match of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature Wales if they qualify.
Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.
It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will cater to households and help connect with a more diverse set of viewers.
Host Nations
The Irish team are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and Scotland would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.
Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the finals through the qualification path.
Stadiums and Playoffs
Villa Park and The North London arena complete the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.
The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was removed as a venue city last year when it emerged the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.
Tournament Vision
“The event will be a championship for the supporters and a festival of everything we love about the sport – its emotion and power to bring people together.”
In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.