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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the anticipated passage for a championship hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an England men’s game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the national team for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their round of 16 match would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean starting the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Opening and Protest

The championship was launched at an gathering in central London on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the site by about 50 activists, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the European Championship will be staged at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature the Dragons if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract family audiences and help reach a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the qualification path.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground round out the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches played at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it emerged the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

“This will be a tournament for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its emotion and power to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to fans.