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The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the expected passage for a championship hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an English men’s game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to stage the England side for their opening fixture 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 last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Opening and Demonstration

The tournament was launched at an event in a London landmark on the previous evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were barracked as they entered the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be removed from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Championship Fixture List

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

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be used for European club finals from next season, will attract families and help engage a wider spectrum of fans.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualification process; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through the standard process.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“This will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we value about the game – its emotion and power to unite individuals.”

More than three million passes, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be offered to fans.