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England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they attain the expected qualification for a championship staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an Three Lions match since eight years ago, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to stage the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would take place at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Demonstration

The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the site by about 50 activists, who called for Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were held up with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will attract households and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and Scotland would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Venues and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena finalize the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, 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.

Tournament Vision

“It will be a competition for the followers and a festival of everything we love about the football – its fervor and power to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to supporters.