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The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the expected qualification for a championship staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an English men’s match since eight years ago, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028.

England are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would take place at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Protest

The event was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were heckled as they approached the venue by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be kicked out from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of Euro 2028 will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would follow suit at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualification process; two reserved places will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we love about the sport – its emotion and capacity to foster unity.”

Over 3 million passes, a record for a Euro tournament, are expected to be released to attendees.