🔗 Share this article England to Launch UEFA Euro 2028 Journey at the Etihad Stadium The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward entry for a competition hosted across the majority of the UK and the Ireland. The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s match since eight years ago, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to welcome the national team for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028. The team are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. Tournament Kickoff and Demonstration The championship was inaugurated at an event in central London on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they approached the location by around fifty protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be removed from international football because of the situation in Gaza. Banners were held up with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.” Championship Timeline The opening game of the European Championship will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will involve Wales if they qualify. The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5pm. It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to households and help connect with a broader range of audiences. Host Nations The Irish team are due to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park. All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that miss out on the tournament through the standard process. Venues and Knockout Stage Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finalize the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches staged at each country’s national stadium. The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026. Leadership Comment “It will be a tournament for the followers and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and power to unite individuals.” In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be made available to supporters.