The Three Lions to Begin Euro 2028 Quest at the Etihad Stadium

England’s men’s team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they attain the anticipated entry for a competition staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the national team for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would take place at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Protest

The tournament was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were barracked as they approached the venue by about 50 activists, who urged Israel’s national side to be expelled from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Timeline

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will include the Welsh team if they make it.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help engage a more diverse set of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are scheduled to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the finals through the standard process.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena finalize the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight staged at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a tournament for the fans and a celebration of everything we value about the game – its emotion and power to bring people together.”

In excess of three million tickets, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.