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England’s men’s team will commence their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they secure the expected qualification for a championship staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since eight years ago, when the visitors were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to stage the Three Lions for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, in the event of winning Group B, their last-16 tie would occur at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Kickoff and Protest

The event was launched at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the organizing bodies were confronted as they approached the venue by approximately 50 activists, who called for the Israeli team to be expelled from international football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Championship Fixture List

The first match of the European Championship will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley 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 expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help connect with a wider spectrum of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Irish team are set to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through the qualification path.

Locations and Playoffs

Villa Park and The North London arena round out the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in Belfast, which was removed 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 followers and a festival of everything we love about the football – its fervor and power to foster unity.”

Over 3 million tickets, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to supporters.