🔗 Share this article The Three Lions to Begin the European Championship 2028 Journey at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium England’s men’s team will initiate their Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they secure the expected passage for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Ireland. Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an England men’s game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the Three Lions for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028. The English side are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s ground. Competition Opening and Protest The event was inaugurated at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they arrived the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from international football because of the situation in Gaza. Placards were displayed with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.” Tournament Fixture List The opening game of the European Championship will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will include the Welsh team if they qualify. Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5:00 PM. It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will cater to households and help engage a more diverse set of fans. Participating Countries The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park. All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path. Locations and Knockout Stage Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches held at every host’s main arena. The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026. Official Statement “This will be a championship for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the game – its emotion and power to foster unity.” More than three million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.