The English Team to Launch Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium
The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament taking place in the majority of the UK and the Ireland.
Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an Three Lions match since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to host the Three Lions for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.
The team are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, in the event of winning their group, their knockout stage opener would be held at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Competition Kickoff and Rally
The event was launched at an event in central London on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were heckled as they approached the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be removed from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.
Banners were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”
Championship Timeline
The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they make it.
The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.
It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help reach a broader range of viewers.
Host Nations
The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.
Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be set aside for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.
Locations and Playoffs
The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.
The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.
Leadership Comment
“The event will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we value about the football – its passion and capacity to bring people together.”
In excess of three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to attendees.
