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England’s men’s team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they attain the anticipated entry for a tournament taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the national team for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Kickoff and Demonstration

The championship was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the organizing bodies were heckled as they entered the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Championship Timeline

The first match of the tournament will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract families and help connect with a more diverse set of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are set to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be set aside for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path.

Venues and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be held in Belfast, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a tournament for the fans and a celebration of everything we cherish about the game – its emotion and capacity to bring people together.”

Over 3 million passes, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are expected to be released to attendees.