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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they attain the expected qualification for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the national team for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Kickoff and Protest

The championship was unveiled at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the site by around fifty protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be removed from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were displayed with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will attract family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its fervor and power to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.