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The English squad will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they achieve the expected qualification for a tournament taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an Three Lions game since May 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled 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 the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Protest

The championship was launched at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the site by approximately 50 protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be removed from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Signs were displayed with phrases stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will include the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be used for European club finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to family audiences and help reach a broader range of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the standard process.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a tournament for the followers and a celebration of everything we cherish about the sport – its passion and power to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.