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England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they attain the anticipated passage for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an English men’s game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to stage the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Opening and Protest

The championship was unveiled at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they entered the venue by approximately 50 activists, who called for Israel to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of Euro 2028 will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve Wales if they qualify.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help engage a broader range of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its passion and ability to foster unity.”

Over 3 million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be made available to attendees.