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The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they achieve the anticipated qualification for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions match since eight years ago, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to stage the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Protest

The championship was launched at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the organizing bodies were barracked as they approached the location by about 50 protesters, who called for Israel to be removed from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Event Schedule

The opening game of the European Championship will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will involve Wales if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help engage a broader range of viewers.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through the standard process.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight held at each country’s national stadium.

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

Leadership Comment

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

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to attendees.