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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they attain the relatively straightforward qualification for a championship hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to welcome the national team for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, should they win the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Rally

The championship was inaugurated at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the location by around fifty activists, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Tournament Timeline

The first match of Euro 2028 will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to households and help reach a broader range of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through the standard process.

Venues and Playoffs

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 the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue city last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a competition for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the football – its emotion and capacity to bring people together.”

Over 3 million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are expected to be made available to fans.