The English Team to Start Euro 2028 Campaign at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium

The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship journey at the the home of Manchester City, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win their group, their knockout stage opener would occur at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Rally

The championship was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were confronted as they arrived the venue by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Placards were displayed with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The first match of Euro 2028 will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will include the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would do the same at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Locations and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches held at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be made available to supporters.