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The English squad will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the Three Lions for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

England are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would occur at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Protest

The event was launched at an event in central London on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the location by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who demanded Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were held up with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will attract households and help reach a more diverse set of fans.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

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

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the football – its fervor and power to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be released to supporters.