The Three Lions to Launch Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium
The England national team will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the expected qualification for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.
The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since eight years ago, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the national team for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.
England are set to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.
Championship Launch and Protest
The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were heckled as they arrived the location by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the situation in Gaza.
Signs were displayed with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”
Event Schedule
The first match of Euro 2028 will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include the Dragons if they qualify.
Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5:00 PM.
It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will attract family audiences and help connect with a broader range of audiences.
Participating Countries
The Republic of Ireland are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.
The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.
Locations and Elimination Phase
Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.
The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.
Tournament Vision
“It will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we value about the football – its emotion and capacity to bring people together.”
In excess of three million passes, a record for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be released to fans.
