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The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they attain the expected entry for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an Three Lions match since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Launch and Demonstration

The event was inaugurated at an gathering in a London landmark on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they approached the location by about 50 protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were held up with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Schedule

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will include Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract families and help reach a wider spectrum of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a host city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026.

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a competition for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the football – its passion and capacity to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be offered to supporters.