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England’s men’s team will initiate their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to welcome the national team for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Rally

The event was launched at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were barracked as they entered the site by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be kicked out from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were held up with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The first match of Euro 2028 will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature Wales if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help connect with a more diverse set of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the standard process.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Tournament Vision

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

Over 3 million passes, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to attendees.