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England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the expected qualification for a championship taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to host the England side for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their knockout stage opener would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Rally

The event was unveiled at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the site by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Placards were raised with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of the European Championship will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will involve the Dragons if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be used for European club finals from the upcoming season, will attract family audiences and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena finalize the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was removed as a venue city last year when it emerged the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the fans and a festival of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and ability to bring people together.”

More than three million admissions, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be made available to supporters.