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The England national team will commence their 2028 European Championship adventure at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they attain the anticipated qualification for a championship taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to welcome the national team for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, should they win their group, their round of 16 match would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Kickoff and Demonstration

The event was launched at an gathering in central London on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the site by around fifty activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were displayed with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The opening game of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will include the Welsh team if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to households and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight staged at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in Belfast, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the fans and a celebration of everything we value about the football – its passion and power to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.