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England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the expected qualification for a championship staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an England men’s game since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Protest

The tournament was unveiled at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from Uefa and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the location by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were held up with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The first match of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Welsh team if they make it.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will cater to families and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Venues and Playoffs

Villa Park and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and capacity to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be offered to attendees.