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The English squad will initiate their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they secure the relatively straightforward passage for a championship hosted across the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

City’s stadium has not welcomed an England men’s game since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to welcome the England side for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their knockout stage opener would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s ground.

Championship Launch and Rally

The tournament was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were confronted as they arrived the venue by approximately 50 activists, who demanded Israel to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Placards were raised with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to families and help reach a more diverse set of viewers.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and Scotland would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Locations and Playoffs

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight held at each country’s national stadium.

The qualification draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Leadership Comment

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

In excess of three million admissions, a record for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be made available to fans.