The English Team to Launch the European Championship 2028 Campaign at City’s Home Ground
The English squad will commence their Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the anticipated entry for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s match since May 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.
The team are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground.
Tournament Kickoff and Demonstration
The event was unveiled at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the site by approximately 50 protesters, who urged Israel to be kicked out from international football because of the Gaza crisis.
Signs were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”
Tournament Fixture List
The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a game that will include the Dragons if they make it.
The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.
It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.
Qualifying Teams
The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.
All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through the standard process.
Venues and Elimination Phase
Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at every host’s main arena.
The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.
Tournament Vision
“The event will be a championship for the supporters and a showcase of everything we value about the game – its passion and capacity to unite individuals.”
Over 3 million admissions, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to fans.