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The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the relatively straightforward qualification for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an English men’s match since eight years ago, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to stage the national team for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, should they win Group B, their knockout stage opener would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Demonstration

The event was inaugurated at an gathering in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the venue by about 50 activists, who demanded Israel to be expelled from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were raised with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will include the Dragons if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to family audiences and help engage a broader range of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on the tournament through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches played at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we love about the sport – its passion and power to unite individuals.”

More than three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to supporters.