The English Team to Begin Euro 2028 Journey at the Etihad Stadium
The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship journey at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the expected entry for a championship staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
City’s stadium has not welcomed an England men’s match since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.
The English side are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Competition Opening and Protest
The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they entered the site by about 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be removed from international football because of the situation in Gaza.
Signs were displayed with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”
Championship Fixture List
The opening game of Euro 2028 will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they make it.
Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5:00 PM.
It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will appeal to households and help engage a more diverse set of audiences.
Participating Countries
The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.
The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the qualification path.
Stadiums and Elimination Phase
The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at every host’s main arena.
The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.
Official Statement
“The event will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we love about the game – its fervor and capacity to bring people together.”
Over 3 million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to supporters.