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England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they achieve the expected entry for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an Three Lions match since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to stage the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Protest

The tournament was inaugurated at an gathering in central London on the previous evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the organizing bodies were confronted as they approached the site by approximately 50 activists, who urged the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

Placards were held up with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will include Wales if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will attract families and help engage a broader range of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through that route.

Stadiums and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches held at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the game – its passion and power to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million passes, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are expected to be offered to supporters.