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The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an England men’s game since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to host the England side for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, should they win Group B, their knockout stage opener would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Launch and Protest

The tournament was unveiled at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were confronted as they approached the location by about 50 activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Tournament Schedule

The first match of the European Championship will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for European club finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at every host’s main arena.

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 proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Tournament Vision

“It will be a tournament for the fans and a showcase of everything we love about the football – its passion and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be released to fans.