The Three Lions to Start Euro 2028 Quest at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium

England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they attain the expected qualification for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an English men’s game since eight years ago, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to stage the Three Lions for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Launch and Demonstration

The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were barracked as they entered the site by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Schedule

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract households and help connect with a broader range of fans.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be reserved for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Villa Park and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we value about the game – its passion and capacity to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million passes, a record for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to attendees.