The English Team to Begin Euro 2028 Campaign at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium
The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they secure the anticipated entry for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.
Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s match since May 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.
England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would occur at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground.
Tournament Launch and Rally
The event was launched at an event in central London on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they entered the site by around fifty activists, who demanded Israel’s national side to be expelled from international football because of the Gaza crisis.
Signs were held up with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”
Event Timeline
The opening game of the European Championship will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they secure a place.
The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon.
It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will attract households and help connect with a wider spectrum of audiences.
Qualifying Teams
The Irish team are set to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and Scotland would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.
All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through that route.
Locations and Elimination Phase
Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at every host’s main arena.
The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.
Tournament Vision
“The event will be a tournament for the supporters and a celebration of everything we love about the football – its passion and ability to unite individuals.”
More than three million passes, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be released to fans.