The Three Lions to Start the European Championship 2028 Journey at the Etihad Stadium
The English squad will initiate their 2028 European Championship journey at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.
City’s stadium has not staged an England men’s match since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the Three Lions 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, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Tournament Opening and Protest
The tournament was unveiled at an event in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they entered the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from international football because of the situation in Gaza.
Banners were raised with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”
Event Timeline
The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will involve the Welsh team if they secure a place.
Wembley will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm.
It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for European club finals from next season, will appeal to family audiences and help engage a wider spectrum of audiences.
Qualifying Teams
The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.
All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.
Stadiums and Playoffs
Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals held at the national stadium of each host.
The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.
Tournament Vision
“The event will be a competition for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and power to bring people together.”
In excess of three million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to fans.
