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The England national team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the anticipated passage for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the national team for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

The English side are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Launch and Protest

The tournament was inaugurated at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were confronted as they arrived the venue by around fifty protesters, who called for Israel to be removed from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of the tournament will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will involve the Welsh team if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help reach a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the standard process.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches played at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its fervor and capacity to foster unity.”

More than three million passes, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to attendees.