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England’s men’s team will commence their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they secure the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they arrived the location by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel’s national side to be removed from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Placards were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will attract households and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the supporters and a festival of everything we love about the football – its passion and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to fans.