🔗 Share this article

The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to stage the national team for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Protest

The event was unveiled at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the venue by approximately 50 activists, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were held up with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The first match of Euro 2028 will be staged at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will cater to families and help engage a wider spectrum of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Venues and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground complete the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Tournament Vision

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and capacity to unite individuals.”

More than three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are projected to be offered to supporters.