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The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the expected passage for a championship taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s match since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Kickoff and Rally

The championship was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the site by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Fixture List

The opening game of the European Championship will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract households and help engage a more diverse set of audiences.

Host Nations

The Irish team are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals staged at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the supporters and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”

Over 3 million passes, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be offered to fans.