England to Begin Euro 2028 Journey at City’s Home Ground
The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they secure the anticipated passage for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.
Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to host the Three Lions for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.
The English side are set to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Tournament Opening and Protest
The event was launched at an ceremony in central London on the previous evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the site by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.
Signs were raised with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”
Tournament Schedule
The opening game of the European Championship will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, 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 title decider, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm.
It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers.
Participating Countries
The Irish team are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and Scotland would play similarly at Hampden Park.
The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through that route.
Venues and Knockout Stage
Villa Park and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine host stadiums. Every stadium 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 dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.
Official Statement
“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its passion and capacity to foster unity.”
More than three million admissions, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be offered to attendees.
