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The England national team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a championship hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an English men’s match since eight years ago, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the England side for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would occur at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Rally

The championship was unveiled at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the organizing bodies were confronted as they entered the location by about 50 activists, who called for Israel to be expelled from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will include Wales if they make it.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for European club finals from next season, will appeal to households and help reach a more diverse set of fans.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Playoffs

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground finalize the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium.

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

Tournament Vision

“This will be a championship for the fans and a festival of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and power to bring people together.”

More than three million passes, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be released to attendees.