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The English squad will commence their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they attain the expected entry for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not hosted an Three Lions game since May 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to host the national team for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, in the event of winning Group B, their knockout stage opener would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Demonstration

The event was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were heckled as they approached the venue by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who demanded Israel’s national side to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Tournament Schedule

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Dragons if they secure a place.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help engage a wider spectrum of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are due 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 participate in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches staged at each country’s national stadium.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its passion and ability to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.