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The England national team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a tournament staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an English men’s match since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Competition Kickoff and Protest

The tournament was launched at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the venue by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel to be kicked out from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will cater to households and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the supporters and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and capacity to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be offered to supporters.