England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they secure the anticipated passage for a competition staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.
City’s stadium has not welcomed an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to welcome the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.
The English side are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The event was unveiled at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the venue by around fifty protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.
Placards were held up with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”
The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will involve the Welsh team if they make it.
Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.
It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help reach a broader range of audiences.
The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.
The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through that route.
Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight played at every host’s main arena.
The qualification draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.
“It will be a championship for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its emotion and power to unite individuals.”
Over 3 million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be made available to attendees.
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