🔗 Share this article

The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the anticipated entry for a championship taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, should they win the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would be held at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Opening and Rally

The championship was launched at an ceremony in central London on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were barracked as they entered the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel’s national side to be removed from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Event Schedule

The first match of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are scheduled to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the finals through the qualification path.

Locations and Playoffs

Villa Park and The North London arena complete the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a tournament for the followers and a festival of everything we love about the game – its passion and capacity to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be made available to attendees.