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The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the anticipated entry for a competition taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an Three Lions game since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to welcome the Three Lions for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top their group, their round of 16 match would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Opening and Rally

The event was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Schedule

The first match of the European Championship will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help engage a more diverse set of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground complete the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we love about the sport – its emotion and ability to bring people together.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a Euro tournament, are expected to be released to attendees.