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England’s men’s team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they attain the relatively straightforward entry for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s match since May 2016, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the England side for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Protest

The event was unveiled at an gathering in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the site by approximately 50 activists, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out 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 chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help connect with a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Playoffs

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and ability to bring people together.”

In excess of three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be offered to attendees.