🔗 Share this article

The England national team will commence their Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they attain the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the national team for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would take place at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Opening and Protest

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they arrived the site by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be removed from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were held up with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The first match of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help reach a more diverse set of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Locations and Knockout Stage

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

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and capacity to unite individuals.”

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