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England’s men’s team will initiate their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they secure the anticipated qualification for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an English men’s game since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to welcome the national team for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, should they win their group, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Rally

The tournament was inaugurated at an gathering in a London landmark on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the venue by about 50 activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Tournament Timeline

The first match of the European Championship will be staged at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will include Wales if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will appeal to families and help engage a broader range of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualification process; two reserved places will be set aside for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a competition for the followers and a festival of everything we love about the game – its emotion and power to bring people together.”

In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.