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The England national team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they attain the relatively straightforward entry for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s game since May 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to stage the national team for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are set to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Launch and Demonstration

The tournament was inaugurated at an event in central London on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the venue by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Tournament Timeline

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help connect with a more diverse set of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are set to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would follow suit at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a competition for the supporters and a festival of everything we value about the football – its fervor and ability to bring people together.”

In excess of three million admissions, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be released to supporters.