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The English squad will initiate their Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an English men’s game since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to stage the Three Lions for their first match on June 10, 2028.

England are set to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would occur at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Protest

The event was unveiled at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were heckled as they arrived the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be expelled from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Placards were displayed with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The opening game of the European Championship will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

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

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will attract families and help connect with a broader range of fans.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its emotion and power to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million passes, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be offered to supporters.