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The English squad will commence their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected qualification for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the national team for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Kickoff and Demonstration

The tournament was launched at an gathering in a London landmark on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were barracked as they approached the venue by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Schedule

The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature the Dragons if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through that route.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be staged 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 6 December 2026.

Tournament Vision

“It will be a tournament for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and capacity to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be offered to fans.