🔗 Share this article

The English squad will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an English men’s match since eight years ago, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to stage the Three Lions for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The English side are set to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, should they win their group, their last-16 tie would take place at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Rally

The event was unveiled at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they entered the location by about 50 activists, who demanded Israel to be expelled from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Event Timeline

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will include the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will appeal to households and help reach a more diverse set of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

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

The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a host city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a championship for the followers and a festival of everything we love about the football – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be made available to fans.