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The England national team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the expected qualification for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an England men’s match since eight years ago, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the England side for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Rally

The championship was unveiled at an event in central London on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they arrived the site by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were held up with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The opening game of the European Championship will be staged at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will include Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the following campaign, will cater to families and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the finals through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a festival of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and power to foster unity.”

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