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The English squad will initiate their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they achieve the expected passage for a tournament taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions fixture since eight years ago, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Demonstration

The championship was inaugurated at an event in central London on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the venue by about 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be removed from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Tournament Schedule

The first match of the European Championship will be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to family audiences and help reach a wider spectrum of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches staged at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be held in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the game – its fervor and ability to foster unity.”

More than three million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be offered to supporters.