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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they secure the anticipated entry for a tournament taking place in the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their opening fixture on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, in the event of winning their group, their knockout stage opener would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Kickoff and Rally

The championship was unveiled at an event in central London on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they approached the site by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were raised with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve the Welsh team if they make it.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for European club finals from the following campaign, will attract households and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a tournament for the followers and a festival of everything we love about the football – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be offered to fans.