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England’s men’s team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, assuming they achieve the relatively straightforward qualification for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to welcome the England side for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The team are set to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Championship Launch and Rally

The championship was inaugurated at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were heckled as they entered the site by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel to be expelled from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Championship Timeline

The opening game of the tournament will be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve Wales if they qualify.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a start time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help connect with a broader range of fans.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground finalize the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be staged in Belfast, which was dropped as a host city last year when it emerged the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we cherish about the game – its emotion and ability to bring people together.”

More than three million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be released to supporters.