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The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they secure the expected entry for a competition staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the national team for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, should they win their group, their last-16 tie would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Demonstration

The tournament was inaugurated at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host football associations were heckled as they entered the location by approximately 50 protesters, who called for Israel to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Championship Schedule

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be played at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract family audiences and help connect with a broader range of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that miss out on the tournament through the standard process.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a tournament for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

More than three million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to fans.