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England’s men’s team will commence their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they secure the anticipated qualification for a competition taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the national team for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their knockout stage opener would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Protest

The championship was launched at an event in central London on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were held up with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Schedule

The first match of the European Championship will be played at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will include Wales if they make it.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to families and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their initial fixture 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 enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Venues and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches played at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the game – its passion and ability to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to attendees.