🔗 Share this article

The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the anticipated passage for a championship staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning 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 Rally

The event was inaugurated at an event in central London on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were barracked as they approached the venue by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve Wales if they make it.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the following campaign, will appeal to family audiences and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Locations and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue 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 championship for the supporters and a festival of everything we love about the game – its passion and capacity to bring people together.”

In excess of three million passes, a record for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be made available to supporters.