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The English squad will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they secure the expected entry for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not staged an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to stage the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Rally

The tournament was unveiled at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they arrived the venue by about 50 activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be expelled from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were displayed with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The first match of the tournament will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will include the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to families and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a championship for the supporters and a festival of everything we love about the game – its emotion and ability to unite individuals.”

More than three million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.