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England’s men’s team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected entry for a championship staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The team are set to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, 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 Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were heckled as they entered the site by approximately 50 activists, who demanded Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were held up with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract households and help reach a broader range of fans.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through the standard process.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the football – its fervor and capacity to bring people together.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be offered to attendees.