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The English squad will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they achieve the anticipated qualification for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to welcome the Three Lions for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would occur at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Rally

The event was inaugurated at an gathering in central London on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the site by around fifty activists, who demanded Israel to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were displayed with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The first match of Euro 2028 will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature the Welsh team if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be used for European club finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help connect with a wider spectrum of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Hampden Park.

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

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

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

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

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the followers and a celebration of everything we love about the sport – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to supporters.