🔗 Share this article The English Team to Begin Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium England’s men’s team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they achieve the expected passage for a tournament taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic. Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an Three Lions match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028. England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground. Championship Launch and Rally The tournament was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they approached the location by about 50 activists, who called for Israel to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza. Banners were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.” Event Timeline The first match of Euro 2028 will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve Wales if they make it. The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM. It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help engage a more diverse set of viewers. Qualifying Teams The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park. All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the standard process. Venues and Playoffs The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground round out the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches played at each country’s national stadium. The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026. Official Statement “This will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we cherish about the game – its passion and ability to foster unity.” In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are expected to be made available to supporters.