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The England national team will commence their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the anticipated qualification for a championship hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not staged an England men’s game since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the national team for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their knockout stage opener would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Kickoff and Demonstration

The championship was launched at an gathering in a London landmark on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be kicked out from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Placards were displayed with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Timeline

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will involve Wales if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help reach a broader range of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the standard process.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight staged at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a tournament for the supporters and a festival of everything we cherish about the sport – its emotion and power to bring people together.”

Over 3 million tickets, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be released to attendees.