🔗 Share this article The Three Lions to Start the European Championship 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium The England national team will embark on their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a tournament taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an Three Lions game since May 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the national team for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028. England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Championship Opening and Demonstration The event was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they arrived the venue by approximately 50 activists, who called for Israel to be removed from international football because of the Gaza crisis. Signs were held up with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.” Tournament Timeline The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will include the Dragons if they qualify. Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm. It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of viewers. Host Nations The Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would play similarly at Hampden Park. The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through that route. Locations and Playoffs The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground round out the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight held at every host’s main arena. The qualification draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026. Official Statement “This will be a competition for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the football – its passion and capacity to bring people together.” Over 3 million tickets, a record for a Euro tournament, are expected to be offered to supporters.