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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected entry for a competition staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions game since May 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to welcome the national team for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, should they win Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean commencing the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Kickoff and Rally

The tournament was launched at an event in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the venue by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel to be removed from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

Placards were displayed with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will involve the Dragons if they secure a place.

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

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will attract families and help engage a more diverse set of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the qualification path.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight staged at each country’s national stadium.

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

Leadership Comment

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

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be released to supporters.