England to Launch UEFA Euro 2028 Campaign at City’s Home Ground
England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they attain the expected passage for a championship hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
City’s stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to stage the national team for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.
England are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win their group, their round of 16 match would take place at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Championship Launch and Rally
The championship was unveiled at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were heckled as they arrived the location by approximately 50 activists, who called for Israel to be expelled from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.
Placards were raised with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”
Event Schedule
The opening game of the European Championship will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.
The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.
It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help connect with a broader range of viewers.
Qualifying Teams
The Ireland are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.
The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the standard process.
Locations and Playoffs
The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches staged at the national stadium of each host.
The qualifying draw will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.
Official Statement
“The event will be a competition for the followers and a festival of everything we love about the sport – its emotion and capacity to unite individuals.”
In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to supporters.
