The Three Lions to Start UEFA Euro 2028 Campaign at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium
England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a championship hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.
Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an Three Lions match since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the England side for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.
The team are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Tournament Launch and Rally
The championship was launched at an gathering in a London landmark on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were barracked as they approached the location by about 50 protesters, who called for Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the situation in Gaza.
Placards were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”
Championship Fixture List
The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will involve the Dragons if they secure a place.
Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.
It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from next season, will attract households and help connect with a more diverse set of fans.
Participating Countries
The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.
All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.
Venues and Knockout Stage
The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches staged at the national stadium of each host.
The qualifying draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.
Official Statement
“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a festival of everything we cherish about the football – its emotion and power to foster unity.”
Over 3 million admissions, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be released to attendees.