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The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the expected qualification for a competition hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the national team for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, if they top Group B, their knockout stage opener would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Protest

The tournament was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were heckled as they entered the site by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who demanded Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Schedule

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will feature the Welsh team if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract family audiences and help engage a broader range of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the standard process.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

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

Leadership Comment

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

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to supporters.