🔗 Share this article The Three Lions to Begin UEFA Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they secure the anticipated entry for a tournament taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. City’s stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to welcome the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028. England are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their knockout stage opener would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s ground. Competition Opening and Protest The championship was unveiled at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were heckled as they arrived the venue by about 50 protesters, who urged Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis. Signs were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.” Event Schedule The first match of the European Championship 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 make it. Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm. It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract households and help engage a broader range of audiences. Qualifying Teams The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland. All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the standard process. Venues and Elimination Phase Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches staged at every host’s main arena. The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026. Official Statement “The event will be a competition for the followers and a showcase of everything we value about the game – its passion and capacity to bring people together.” In excess of three million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be released to attendees.