The Three Lions to Launch Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium
The England national team will commence their Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the anticipated entry for a competition hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s game since eight years ago, when the visitors were overcome 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 team are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Tournament Kickoff and Protest
The tournament was launched at an event in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the site by approximately 50 activists, who called for Israel to be removed from global football because of the Gaza crisis.
Signs were displayed with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”
Tournament Schedule
The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will involve Wales if they qualify.
Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at late afternoon.
It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be used for European club finals from next season, will appeal to households and help reach a more diverse set of audiences.
Participating Countries
The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.
The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.
Locations and Knockout Stage
The Birmingham venue and The North London arena finalize the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.
The qualification draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a host city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.
Tournament Vision
“This will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and capacity to bring people together.”
Over 3 million passes, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.
