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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Protest

The tournament was unveiled at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they entered the site by around fifty protesters, who urged Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were displayed with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature the Welsh team if they make it.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are due to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on the tournament through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena finalize the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight held at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we love about the sport – its passion and power to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be offered to supporters.