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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the anticipated passage for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions game since May 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Competition Kickoff and Protest

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the site by around fifty protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were held up with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The first match of the tournament will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature the Welsh team if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to households and help reach a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be reserved for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Venues and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the game – its fervor and power to bring people together.”

More than three million passes, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be offered to fans.