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England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the anticipated entry for a competition hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not staged an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the Three Lions for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the location by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel’s national side to be removed from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Timeline

The first match of the tournament will be staged at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Dragons if they make it.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to families and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Locations and Playoffs

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a championship for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its emotion and power to bring people together.”

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