England’s Euro 2028 Journey Begins at Etihad Stadium

England’s Euro 2028 campaign is set to kick off at the Etihad Stadium, following the official release of the tournament schedule for the UK and Ireland-hosted competition. The Three Lions, provided they secure qualification, will play their opening group stage match in Manchester, marking the first men’s England fixture at the home of Manchester City since 2016. This historic occasion will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2028, as England aims to make a strong start in their pursuit of continental glory.

Euro 2028 Kicks Off in Cardiff Before England Heads North

The tournament will open a day earlier in Cardiff, with Wales hosting the first match at the Principality Stadium on Friday, June 9, 2028. Should the Welsh team qualify, they will enjoy the home advantage in front of a passionate crowd. The opening fixtures set the tone for a unique Euro 2028, taking place across nine stadiums in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, offering fans a true festival of football.

England’s Euro 2028 Group Stage Path Detailed

After their opener at the Etihad, England will return to Wembley Stadium for their remaining two group games. The path ahead depends on their group stage performance: topping Group B would send them to St James’ Park in Newcastle for the last-16, while finishing second would see them play at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. This rotation ensures that fans across England can experience the excitement firsthand, underlining the inclusive vision of the tournament.

England in Manchester: A Historic Return for the Three Lions

The Etihad Stadium’s selection for England’s Euro 2028 debut holds special significance. The stadium last hosted the Three Lions in May 2016, when England suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Turkey in a friendly. Now, the national team returns for a competitive fixture, bringing major tournament football back to Manchester for the first time in over a decade.

Euro 2028: Host Venues and Knockout Rounds

The tournament will utilize nine iconic stadiums: Wembley (London), Etihad (Manchester), St James’ Park (Newcastle), Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool), Principality Stadium (Cardiff), Hampden Park (Glasgow), Aviva Stadium (Dublin), Villa Park (Birmingham), and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London). Each stadium will feature in at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals split across the four host nations’ national stadiums. Both semi-finals and the grand final will be staged at Wembley, with the final scheduled for Sunday, July 9, 2028, set for a 5pm kick-off—three hours earlier than the 2021 final—to improve transport, safety, and the fan experience.

Special Provisions for Host Nations

With five host nations involved, UEFA has reserved two automatic qualification spots for countries that do not qualify through the regular route. This ensures representation and enthusiasm in every corner of the UK and Ireland, as the event showcases the unifying power of football.

England’s Euro 2028 Ambitions: Eyes on Redemption

England will be determined to reach a third straight Euros final after heartbreak in 2021 and 2024 against Italy and Spain. As the anticipation builds, the Three Lions’ potential Manchester opener promises to be a high-stakes encounter, launching their quest for European silverware. The qualifying draw is scheduled for December 6, 2026, while group stage matches run from March to November 2027, followed by play-offs in March 2028.

Fan Experience, Ticketing, and Accessibility

Tournament organizers, in collaboration with UEFA, are focusing on accessibility and affordability for fans. Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt emphasized efforts to keep ticket prices fair and to avoid dynamic pricing, stating, “We want to make this the most accessible Euros and a festival of everything we love about the game.” The earlier final kick-off time is also designed to facilitate easier transport and safer celebrations.

Looking Ahead to a Landmark Tournament

Euro 2028 is set to be a milestone for UK and Irish football, with cities across the region sharing hosting duties and welcoming fans from across Europe. The strategic spread of venues offers supporters new opportunities to be part of the action, while England’s journey—beginning at the Etihad—adds another chapter to the nation’s footballing legacy. For the latest tournament updates and qualifying news, visit for more news.

Opinion: England’s Etihad Kick-Off a Symbolic Step

England’s return to Manchester for their Euro 2028 opener reflects not only the nationwide excitement for the tournament but also a commitment to bringing the national team closer to diverse fanbases. Playing outside Wembley for such a key fixture is a bold move that could inspire the next generation of football supporters in the North. With careful planning on fan experience and accessibility, Euro 2028 looks set to deliver an inclusive, memorable championship.