🔗 Share this article The English Team to Start the European Championship 2028 Journey at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium The England national team will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward qualification for a competition staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic. The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s game since eight years ago, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to stage the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028. The English side are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Tournament Launch and Rally The championship was unveiled at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the site by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the situation in Gaza. Placards were raised with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.” Tournament Timeline The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place. The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm. It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers. Participating Countries The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park. All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the qualification path. Locations and Playoffs The Birmingham venue and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches played at each country’s national stadium. The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026. Leadership Comment “This will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the sport – its emotion and power to bring people together.” Over 3 million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be made available to attendees.