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The English squad will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected entry for a tournament taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to stage the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Kickoff and Protest

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the venue by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who demanded Israel to be kicked out from the sport 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 first match of the tournament will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature the Welsh team if they make it.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to households and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

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

Locations and Playoffs

Villa Park and The North London arena complete the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a host city last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the sport – its emotion and power to foster unity.”

Over 3 million passes, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are projected to be made available to supporters.