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The England national team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they achieve the anticipated qualification for a competition staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an English men’s game since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the national team for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, should they win Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Rally

The tournament was inaugurated at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they approached the location by around fifty protesters, who demanded Israel’s national side to be expelled from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will involve Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract households and help connect with a more diverse set of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are scheduled to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.

Locations and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it was revealed Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the game – its fervor and capacity to foster unity.”

Over 3 million passes, a record for a Euro tournament, are projected to be released to supporters.