🔗 Share this article The English Team to Start the European Championship 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they achieve the expected qualification for a competition staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic. City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028. The English side are planned to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean beginning the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Tournament Launch and Protest The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on the previous evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were barracked as they entered the location by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza. Placards were displayed with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.” Event Timeline The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will feature the Dragons if they secure a place. Wembley will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5pm. It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help connect with a wider spectrum of fans. Participating Countries The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland. Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the standard process. Venues and Playoffs Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches staged at each country’s national stadium. The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was dropped as a host city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026. Official Statement “It will be a tournament for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the football – its emotion and power to unite individuals.” More than three million passes, a record for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be made available to supporters.