England to Launch UEFA Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium
The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they attain the expected entry for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.
The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s game since May 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to welcome the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.
The English side are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground.
Tournament Kickoff and Demonstration
The championship was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the venue by about 50 protesters, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.
Placards were displayed with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”
Event Timeline
The first match of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will involve Wales if they make it.
The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.
It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to family audiences and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.
Qualifying Teams
The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at Hampden Park.
Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the standard process.
Locations and Knockout Stage
Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals held at every host’s main arena.
The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.
Leadership Comment
“The event will be a competition for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its emotion and power to bring people together.”
Over 3 million admissions, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are expected to be offered to fans.
