🔗 Share this article

The English squad will initiate their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected passage for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to welcome the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Kickoff and Demonstration

The event was inaugurated at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from Uefa and the host football associations were barracked as they approached the location by around fifty activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be expelled from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will include the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Host Nations

The Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its emotion and capacity to bring people together.”

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to supporters.