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The England national team will initiate their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they attain the expected qualification for a tournament hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions match since the spring of 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The English side 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 take place at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Demonstration

The event was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were heckled as they approached the location by about 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Banners were displayed with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of Euro 2028 will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will feature the Dragons if they make it.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are scheduled to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly 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 miss out on the finals through that route.

Locations and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarter-finals staged at each country’s national stadium.

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

Official Statement

“This will be a competition for the followers and a celebration of everything we love about the sport – its emotion and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be offered to fans.