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The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they attain the anticipated qualification for a championship taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an Three Lions game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Opening and Demonstration

The event was unveiled at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they arrived the location by around fifty activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Championship Fixture List

The first match of the tournament will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature Wales if they make it.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

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

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals held at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was dropped as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a tournament for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the game – its passion and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million admissions, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to fans.