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The English squad will initiate their Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected passage for a competition hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to welcome the national team for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are set to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Rally

The event was inaugurated at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were confronted as they entered the site by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged the Israeli team to be expelled from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will include the Welsh team if they make it.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help reach a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches played at every host’s main arena.

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

Leadership Comment

“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the game – its emotion and capacity to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are expected to be made available to supporters.