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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they attain the anticipated qualification for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to welcome the Three Lions for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, should they win the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Launch and Protest

The tournament was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were heckled as they approached the site by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged the Israeli team to be expelled from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of the tournament will be staged at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will involve the Welsh team if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach the finals through that route.

Locations and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches staged at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a tournament for the fans and a celebration of everything we cherish about the sport – its emotion and ability to foster unity.”

More than three million passes, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be made available to fans.