The English Team to Begin Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium
The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they attain the expected qualification for a championship hosted across the majority of the UK and the Ireland.
Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an Three Lions match since May 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the England side for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.
England are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, should they win Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Tournament Opening and Rally
The championship was inaugurated at an event in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were heckled as they arrived the venue by about 50 protesters, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from international football because of the Gaza crisis.
Banners were held up with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”
Championship Timeline
The first match of the European Championship will be played at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include the Dragons if they qualify.
The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon.
It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help reach a more diverse set of fans.
Host Nations
The Irish team are set to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.
All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path.
Locations and Knockout Stage
The Birmingham venue and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals played at each country’s national stadium.
The qualifying draw will be held in Belfast, which was removed as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026.
Official Statement
“It will be a championship for the supporters and a celebration of everything we love about the football – its passion and ability to foster unity.”
More than three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to attendees.
