The English Team to Begin Euro 2028 Journey at City’s Home Ground

The English squad will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the expected entry for a tournament taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s fixture since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the national team for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Opening and Protest

The event was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were confronted as they arrived the venue by about 50 protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Tournament Fixture List

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

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on the tournament through the standard process.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Villa Park and The North London arena complete the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches held at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a celebration of everything we love about the game – its fervor and capacity to foster unity.”

Over 3 million admissions, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be offered to attendees.