🔗 Share this article The Three Lions to Begin the European Championship 2028 Quest at City’s Home Ground England’s men’s team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the expected qualification for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an English men’s match since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to host the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028. The English side are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, if they top their group, their round of 16 match would be held at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground. Competition Opening and Rally The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they entered the site by around fifty protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be kicked out from international football because of the situation in Gaza. Banners were raised with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.” Championship Timeline The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will include Wales if they secure a place. Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5pm. It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to family audiences and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers. Qualifying Teams The Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at Hampden Park. All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the qualification path. Venues and Knockout Stage Villa Park and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, 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 tournament location last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026. Official Statement “It will be a championship for the followers and a festival of everything we love about the football – its emotion and power to bring people together.” In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.