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The English squad will initiate their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the expected entry for a competition taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, 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 knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Rally

The event was unveiled at an event in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the organizing bodies were confronted as they approached the venue by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were held up with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be used for European club finals from the following campaign, will cater to families and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Hampden Park.

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

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped 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 championship for the fans and a showcase of everything we love about the game – its emotion and power to bring people together.”

Over 3 million passes, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be offered to attendees.