England to Start Euro 2028 Journey at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium

England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the anticipated passage for a championship staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s game since May 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the Three Lions for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Opening and Demonstration

The tournament was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the organizing bodies were heckled as they approached the location by around fifty protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be removed from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were held up with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The first match of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will include the Welsh team if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help connect with a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Venues and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals held at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a tournament for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the football – its fervor and capacity to bring people together.”

More than three million admissions, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.