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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an Three Lions match since May 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to stage the national team for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Protest

The championship was unveiled at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were confronted as they arrived the site by around fifty activists, who urged the Israeli team to be expelled from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were held up with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help reach a broader range of fans.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would play similarly at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground round out the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a competition for the followers and a festival of everything we love about the football – its passion and ability to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.