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England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they achieve the expected passage for a championship staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to welcome the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Demonstration

The event was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the site by around fifty protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were held up with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Schedule

The opening game of the European Championship will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will feature the Dragons if they make it.

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

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help reach a more diverse set of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the standard process.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and power to unite individuals.”

More than three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.