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England’s men’s team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they secure the expected qualification for a championship staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an English men’s match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Kickoff and Demonstration

The tournament was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were barracked as they approached the location by around fifty activists, who urged the Israeli team to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were raised with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The first match of the European Championship will be played 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.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help connect with a more diverse set of audiences.

Host Nations

The Irish team are due to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was removed as a venue city last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its emotion and power to foster unity.”

In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.