🔗 Share this article

The English squad will initiate their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the relatively straightforward entry for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s game since eight years ago, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the Three Lions for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The team are set to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Rally

The championship was unveiled at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the organizing bodies were confronted as they approached the site by about 50 activists, who demanded Israel to be expelled from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Event Timeline

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

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will attract families and help engage a wider spectrum of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Locations and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be staged in Belfast, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a tournament for the followers and a festival of everything we value about the sport – its passion and ability to foster unity.”

Over 3 million passes, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be offered to fans.