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The England national team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected entry for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to stage the Three Lions for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would occur at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Kickoff and Demonstration

The championship was inaugurated at an gathering in a London landmark on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were barracked as they arrived the venue by around fifty protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Schedule

The first match of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will include the Welsh team if they make it.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for European club finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help reach a more diverse set of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are due to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that do not reach the finals through the standard process.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground round out the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game – its emotion and power to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to fans.