🔗 Share this article The English Team to Begin Euro 2028 Quest at the Etihad Stadium England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the expected passage for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions match since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to host the national team for their first match on June 10, 2028. England are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean commencing the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Tournament Launch and Protest The tournament was inaugurated at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the site by approximately 50 activists, who urged Israel to be removed from the sport because of the situation in Gaza. Signs were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.” Championship Timeline The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will involve the Dragons if they make it. Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5:00 PM. It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help engage a wider spectrum of audiences. Host Nations The Ireland are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would do the same at Hampden Park. All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route. Locations and Playoffs Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium. The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026. Leadership Comment “The event will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we love about the game – its fervor and power to unite individuals.” Over 3 million admissions, a record for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be offered to attendees.