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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they secure the anticipated entry for a competition taking place in the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an Three Lions fixture since May 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to stage the national team for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Demonstration

The championship was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the location by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel to be expelled from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Placards were held up with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

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

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will cater to families and help engage a broader range of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would follow suit at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Villa Park and The North London arena complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals held at the national stadium of each host.

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

Leadership Comment

“This will be a championship for the fans and a showcase of everything we cherish about the football – its passion and capacity to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be offered to fans.