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The England national team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they secure the anticipated passage for a championship staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an English men’s fixture since May 2016, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is almost certain to welcome the England side for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are set to play their last two group stage games at Wembley, but, in the event of winning Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Demonstration

The tournament was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the site by approximately 50 activists, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Championship Fixture List

The first match of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley Stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be held on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be implemented for European club finals from next season, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would follow suit at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the standard process.

Venues and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it emerged Casement Park could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a tournament for the supporters and a festival of everything we value about the football – its fervor and power to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.