The English Team to Start Euro 2028 Journey at the Etihad Stadium
The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship journey at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they attain the anticipated qualification for a competition staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to welcome the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.
England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Championship Launch and Rally
The event was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the location by approximately 50 activists, who called for Israel to be expelled from international football because of the situation in Gaza.
Placards were displayed with phrases 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 staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will include Wales if they secure a place.
Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.
It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.
Participating Countries
The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.
The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.
Locations and Elimination Phase
Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches played at the national stadium of each host.
The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.
Leadership Comment
“This will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we cherish about the game – its fervor and capacity to unite individuals.”
Over 3 million tickets, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.
