🔗 Share this article England to Begin Euro 2028 Quest at City’s Home Ground The English squad will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028. The team are planned to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Championship Opening and Rally The tournament was launched at an event in central London on Wednesday night. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the situation in Gaza. Banners were displayed with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.” Tournament Timeline The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be played at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will include Wales if they secure a place. Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at late afternoon. It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help connect with a wider spectrum of fans. Qualifying Teams The Ireland are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland. Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the finals through the standard process. Stadiums and Elimination Phase Villa Park and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals staged at each country’s national stadium. The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026. Tournament Vision “This will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its emotion and power to bring people together.” In excess of three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to fans.