England to Launch Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium
England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the relatively straightforward entry for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.
The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions fixture since eight years ago, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.
The team are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground.
Competition Launch and Rally
The tournament was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were barracked as they entered the site by approximately 50 activists, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the situation in Gaza.
Placards were raised with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”
Championship Fixture List
The first match of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.
Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.
It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to families and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers.
Participating Countries
The Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Hampden Park.
All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through the standard process.
Stadiums and Playoffs
The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.
The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.
Tournament Vision
“It will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its emotion and capacity to bring people together.”
More than three million passes, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be offered to attendees.
