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The English squad will commence their Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they attain the expected passage for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to welcome the England side for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top their group, their round of 16 match would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Rally

The championship was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the organizing bodies were confronted as they approached the location by around fifty activists, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Tournament Timeline

The first match of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will include the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Host Nations

The Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at every host’s main arena.

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

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we love about the football – its fervor and power to bring people together.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be offered to supporters.