The Three Lions to Begin the European Championship 2028 Journey at City’s Home Ground

England’s men’s team will commence their Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they attain the relatively straightforward entry for a competition hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s game since eight years ago, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to welcome the Three Lions for their first match on June 10, 2028.

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

Tournament Opening and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the location by approximately 50 protesters, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Banners were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The first match of the European Championship will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will feature the Welsh team if they qualify.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract families and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the finals through the standard process.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches held at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a competition for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the sport – its passion and capacity to foster unity.”

In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be released to attendees.