The Three Lions to Start UEFA Euro 2028 Campaign at City’s Home Ground

The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship journey at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they achieve the expected entry for a tournament staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to welcome the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Demonstration

The tournament was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the venue by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel to be expelled from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were held up with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Timeline

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will include the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for European club finals from next season, will appeal to families and help engage a broader range of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through the standard process.

Locations and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a tournament for the followers and a showcase of everything we value about the football – its emotion and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be offered to fans.