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The England national team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the England side for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their knockout stage opener would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean commencing the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Protest

The championship was inaugurated at an gathering in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they approached the location by around fifty activists, who called for Israel’s national side to be kicked out from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were raised with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The first match of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will include Wales if they make it.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from next season, will attract households and help reach a broader range of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are due to play their initial fixture at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be set aside for any that miss out on the finals through the standard process.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight staged at each country’s national stadium.

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

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a tournament for the followers and a festival of everything we cherish about the sport – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million passes, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be released to attendees.