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The England national team will commence their Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the anticipated qualification for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to welcome the England side for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are set to play their concluding group fixtures at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Rally

The event was inaugurated at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were barracked as they entered the location by about 50 activists, who demanded Israel to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will include the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help engage a more diverse set of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are scheduled to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the tournament through the standard process.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena finalize the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

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

Leadership Comment

“This will be a tournament for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its emotion and capacity to bring people together.”

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be released to attendees.