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The English squad will embark on their Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, assuming they attain the expected passage for a competition hosted across most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Demonstration

The championship was unveiled at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the venue by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel to be removed from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Tournament Timeline

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

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract family audiences and help connect with a wider spectrum of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the supporters and a showcase of everything we cherish about the game – its fervor and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be released to supporters.