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England’s men’s team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to welcome the national team for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would take place at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Demonstration

The event was unveiled at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the organizing bodies were barracked as they approached the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were displayed with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will include Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help connect with a broader range of fans.

Host Nations

The Irish team are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be set aside for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“This will be a competition for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the game – its emotion and capacity to unite individuals.”

More than three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be offered to supporters.