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The England national team will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the expected qualification for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to welcome the national team for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would occur at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Demonstration

The tournament was launched at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were barracked as they entered the site by about 50 protesters, who urged Israel to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of the tournament will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will appeal to families and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals staged at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and power to bring people together.”

Over 3 million tickets, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be released to fans.