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The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they secure the expected passage for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an England men’s fixture since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to welcome the national team for their first match on June 10, 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Rally

The tournament was inaugurated at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the site by approximately 50 activists, who urged the Israeli team to be removed from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were held up with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help connect with a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Locations and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches staged at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded 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 competition for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the game – its passion and capacity to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.