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England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they achieve the expected entry for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their knockout stage opener would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Demonstration

The tournament was launched at an event in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were heckled as they approached the venue by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged the Israeli team to be removed from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were raised with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be staged at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will involve the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a start 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 appeal to households and help engage a more diverse set of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on the tournament through the qualification path.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it became clear the proposed venue 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 showcase of everything we cherish about the game – its passion and capacity to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million admissions, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be released to attendees.