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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a championship hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s match since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the national team for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their round of 16 match would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Demonstration

The event was unveiled at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the site by about 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were displayed with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they make it.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to families and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Venues and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be held in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we value about the game – its emotion and ability to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million passes, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.