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England’s men’s team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they attain the expected passage for a championship hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the England side for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

England are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their knockout stage opener would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean starting the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Protest

The event was launched at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they arrived the site by approximately 50 activists, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were displayed with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will involve Wales if they qualify.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to families and help engage a more diverse set of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the qualification path.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground round out the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals staged at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its emotion and power to foster unity.”

Over 3 million passes, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to supporters.