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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, assuming they secure the expected qualification for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s game since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to stage the Three Lions for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Demonstration

The event was inaugurated at an event in central London on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were barracked as they approached the site by around fifty protesters, who called for Israel’s national side to be expelled from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with slogans 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 Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

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 late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from next season, will attract families and help reach a broader range of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through that route.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a championship for the supporters and a celebration of everything we love about the sport – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to supporters.