🔗 Share this article

England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a competition taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the Three Lions for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, should they win their group, their last-16 tie would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Championship Opening and Protest

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were barracked as they approached the location by approximately 50 activists, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were held up with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will appeal to families and help engage a wider spectrum of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was dropped as a host city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Leadership Comment

“This will be a championship for the fans and a showcase of everything we love about the game – its emotion and power to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million tickets, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.