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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a championship staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, should they win their group, their round of 16 match would take place at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Rally

The championship was launched at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were heckled as they approached the venue by around fifty protesters, who called for Israel to be kicked out from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were held up with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Timeline

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a game that will include Wales if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract households and help engage a wider spectrum of viewers.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the finals through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the fans and a festival of everything we cherish about the sport – its emotion and power to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be released to fans.