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England’s men’s team will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they secure the anticipated qualification for a tournament taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the Three Lions for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Demonstration

The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host FAs were heckled as they approached the site by around fifty protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be expelled from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were held up with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place.

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

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract households and help reach a wider spectrum of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Locations and Playoffs

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight played at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a competition for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million passes, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to supporters.