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England’s men’s team will initiate their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the anticipated passage for a tournament staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to host the national team for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Championship Kickoff and Rally

The championship was launched at an event in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from Uefa and the organizing bodies were heckled as they arrived the location by about 50 protesters, who urged Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a fixture that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is expected that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to families and help reach a more diverse set of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will participate in the qualification process; two guaranteed slots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals held at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on a date in late 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a competition for the supporters and a festival of everything we cherish about the football – its emotion and ability to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to attendees.