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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they achieve the anticipated entry for a tournament taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s match since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to host the national team for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would take place at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Rally

The event was launched at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from Uefa and the host football associations were confronted as they arrived the location by around fifty activists, who urged Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were raised with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The first match of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will feature Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through the qualification path.

Locations and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena finalize the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was removed as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a tournament for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the football – its emotion and power to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be released to fans.