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England’s men’s team will initiate their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they achieve the anticipated passage for a tournament taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to stage the England side for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Protest

The championship was launched at an event in central London on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they approached the site by around fifty protesters, who urged Israel to be kicked out from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Venues and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

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

Over 3 million passes, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.