The Three Lions to Start the European Championship 2028 Quest at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium
The English squad will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the anticipated passage for a championship hosted across the majority of the UK and the Ireland.
The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to stage the national team for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.
The team are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top their group, their knockout stage opener would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s ground.
Championship Launch and Protest
The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the venue by around fifty protesters, who called for Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the situation in Gaza.
Signs were displayed with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”
Tournament Schedule
The opening game of the tournament will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature the Dragons if they make it.
The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.
It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will appeal to family audiences and help connect with a more diverse set of fans.
Host Nations
The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.
The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the qualification path.
Stadiums and Knockout Stage
The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight held at each country’s national stadium.
The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a host city last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.
Tournament Vision
“It will be a tournament for the fans and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”
Over 3 million passes, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.
