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The English squad will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they attain the anticipated passage for a championship hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to host the national team for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Demonstration

The event was inaugurated at an event in central London on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the venue by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be played at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will involve Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will cater to families and help engage a broader range of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we value about the game – its passion and power to bring people together.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to fans.