🔗 Share this article The English Team to Start Euro 2028 Journey at City’s Home Ground England’s men’s team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they secure the anticipated passage for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic. The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028. The team are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their round of 16 match would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s ground. Championship Opening and Demonstration The tournament was inaugurated at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were confronted as they approached the site by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be kicked out from international football because of the Gaza crisis. Signs were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.” Tournament Timeline The first match of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will feature the Dragons if they secure a place. The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon. It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract households and help connect with a wider spectrum of audiences. Participating Countries The Republic of Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland. The national sides of all four hosts will enter the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path. Locations and Elimination Phase Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at the national stadium of each host. The qualification draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026. Official Statement “It will be a tournament for the fans and a celebration of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and power to unite individuals.” In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are expected to be released to supporters.