England to Launch UEFA Euro 2028 Campaign at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium
England’s men’s team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they attain the anticipated qualification for a tournament hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to host the national team for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.
England are planned to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their knockout stage opener would be held at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Competition Opening and Demonstration
The tournament was unveiled at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they approached the venue by approximately 50 activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be expelled from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.
Placards were raised with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”
Event Fixture List
The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will involve the Dragons if they qualify.
Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.
It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help reach a broader range of viewers.
Participating Countries
The Irish team are set to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.
All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the qualification path.
Locations and Elimination Phase
The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at each country’s national stadium.
The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.
Official Statement
“The event will be a championship for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the football – its passion and capacity to bring people together.”
Over 3 million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to supporters.
