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England’s men’s team will commence their Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the Three Lions for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win their group, their round of 16 match would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Competition Launch and Demonstration

The event was unveiled at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were heckled as they arrived the venue by around fifty activists, who called for Israel to be removed from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Event Fixture List

The first match of the European Championship will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will include Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract family audiences and help engage a wider spectrum of viewers.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be set aside for any that fail to qualify for the finals through that route.

Locations and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight played at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the fans and a festival of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and capacity to bring people together.”

Over 3 million admissions, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.