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The English squad will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the anticipated entry for a championship taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, should they win the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Championship Launch and Demonstration

The event was inaugurated at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the host football associations were heckled as they arrived the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be expelled from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Event Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they qualify.

The national stadium will host both semi-finals and the final, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract family audiences and help reach a wider spectrum of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same 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 miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Leadership Comment

“The event will be a tournament for the followers and a celebration of everything we value about the game – its passion and capacity to bring people together.”

Over 3 million passes, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.