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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected entry for a competition taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the Three Lions for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are planned to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would take place at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Kickoff and Protest

The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the location by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel to be expelled from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were displayed with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of the tournament will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Dragons if they make it.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

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

Host Nations

The Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through the standard process.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its passion and ability to foster unity.”

Over 3 million tickets, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are projected to be made available to attendees.