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England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they secure the anticipated passage for a championship staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an England men’s match since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to stage the Three Lions for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

The English side are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean starting the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Rally

The championship was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the venue by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Placards were displayed with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Schedule

The opening game of the European Championship will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will include Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to households and help reach a more diverse set of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we love about the game – its passion and power to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.