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The England national team will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the England side for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

The English side are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Rally

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were heckled as they approached the site by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be removed from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Tournament Schedule

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help engage a broader range of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the finals through the standard process.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals held at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a tournament for the followers and a showcase of everything we love about the football – its passion and ability to unite individuals.”

More than three million admissions, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to supporters.