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England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a competition staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since May 2016, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to host the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their round of 16 match would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Championship Launch and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an event in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were heckled as they arrived the site by about 50 protesters, who urged Israel to be expelled from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were raised with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The first match of the European Championship will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to households and help connect with a wider spectrum of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

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

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualification process; two reserved places will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through the standard process.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a tournament for the followers and a festival of everything we value about the sport – its emotion and power to foster unity.”

More than three million passes, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to supporters.