🔗 Share this article

The England national team will commence their Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they attain the relatively straightforward entry for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not hosted an England men’s match since May 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the England side for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, should they win Group B, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Kickoff and Rally

The event was launched at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the venue by around fifty protesters, who demanded Israel to be removed from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Banners were raised with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The first match of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will attract family audiences and help engage a wider spectrum of viewers.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the standard process.

Venues and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a championship for the followers and a celebration of everything we love about the sport – its passion and ability to bring people together.”

In excess of three million passes, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to fans.