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England’s men’s team will commence their Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they secure the anticipated entry for a championship taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is expected to stage the national team for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Opening and Rally

The championship was launched at an event in a London landmark on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from Uefa and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the location by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The opening game of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature Wales if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be played on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for European club finals from next season, will cater to family audiences and help connect with a more diverse set of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Venues and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be staged in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

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

In excess of three million passes, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to attendees.