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The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the expected entry for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an England men’s match since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to host the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would occur at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Kickoff and Protest

The tournament was inaugurated at an gathering in a London landmark on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the location by approximately 50 activists, who urged Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they secure a place.

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

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to family audiences and help engage a wider spectrum of audiences.

Host Nations

The Irish team are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground finalize the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight staged at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a competition for the supporters and a festival of everything we love about the game – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.