🔗 Share this article The English Team to Begin Euro 2028 Campaign at the Etihad Stadium The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the anticipated entry for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Ireland. The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions match since May 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the England side for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028. The team are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. Championship Launch and Protest The tournament was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were barracked as they entered the location by about 50 protesters, who urged Israel to be expelled from international football because of the situation in Gaza. Banners were raised with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.” Championship Schedule The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will involve Wales if they qualify. Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon. It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help reach a broader range of fans. Participating Countries The Republic of Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park. Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through that route. Venues and Elimination Phase Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium. The qualifying draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026. Official Statement “The event will be a championship for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its passion and ability to unite individuals.” More than three million tickets, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be made available to attendees.