🔗 Share this article

The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward entry for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not staged an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to welcome the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their knockout stage opener would be held at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were confronted as they arrived the location by approximately 50 activists, who urged Israel’s national side to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were raised with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve Wales if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help engage a wider spectrum of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the football – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be made available to attendees.