In a significant departure from tradition, the England men's football team will embark on a national tour during the Euro 2028 group stage, leaving their iconic Wembley Stadium base behind.
A Tournament Across Nations
The details for the Euro 2028 tournament, co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, were officially unveiled at a glitzy London event. The month-long football festival will kick off in Cardiff on June 9, 2028, and culminate with the final at Wembley on July 9, 2028.
FA chair Debbie Hewitt, who also chairs UK & Ireland 2028, promised that the host nations would deliver the "best ever" European Championships. She emphasised that the event would be a "tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game."
England's Itinerary on the Road
Unlike previous home tournaments such as the 1966 World Cup and Euro 96, where England played all their fixtures at Wembley, the 2028 strategy is different. If Thomas Tuchel's side wins their group and progresses to the latter stages, they are slated to play group matches at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester and St James' Park in Newcastle.
This plan represents a major shift, taking the national team on the road to engage fans across the country. Other English venues hosting matches include Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Villa Park.
However, it is crucial to note that despite being co-hosts, England still have to qualify for the final tournament through the standard European qualification process.
Tournament Structure and Fan Experience
The tournament will feature 24 teams playing 51 matches across 31 days. Wembley will host the semi-finals and the final, but none of the last-16 games. These knockout stage matches will be spread among the eight other venues, meaning England will be away from their London base if they reach that stage.
To ensure variety for supporters, each stadium will host a minimum of two different groups. Dublin, Cardiff, and Glasgow will also play significant roles as host cities.
The launch was celebrated with a light show across Piccadilly Circus and other tournament venues. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin stated, "The host nations, where the game first took shape, are eager to welcome millions of fans into legendary stadiums. The fans will be the beating heart of this tournament."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the event, highlighting the billions in economic benefits it is expected to bring and its power to inspire the next generation of footballers.
