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The English squad will initiate their 2028 European Championship journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the expected passage for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to host the Three Lions for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

The team are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, should they win the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Rally

The championship was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were barracked as they entered the venue by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be removed from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Placards were displayed with slogans saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will include Wales if they make it.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help engage a broader range of fans.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

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

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we cherish about the football – its fervor and capacity to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to supporters.