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The English squad will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the relatively straightforward entry for a championship taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to welcome the Three Lions for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

England are planned to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would take place at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Launch and Protest

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the site by approximately 50 protesters, who called for the Israeli team to be expelled from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were displayed with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for European club finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help engage a broader range of audiences.

Participating Countries

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

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Venues and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the game – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million passes, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to supporters.