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England’s men’s team will commence their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the anticipated passage for a tournament hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their knockout stage opener would take place at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Competition Launch and Demonstration

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were confronted as they arrived the venue by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were displayed with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will include Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the following campaign, will appeal to families and help engage a more diverse set of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are set to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches played at the national stadium of each host.

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

Official Statement

“The event will be a competition for the fans and a festival of everything we cherish about the game – its fervor and power to bring people together.”

More than three million admissions, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be released to fans.