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England’s men’s team will initiate their Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they achieve the expected qualification for a tournament staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an Three Lions game since eight years ago, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to welcome the England side for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Rally

The championship was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the organizing bodies were barracked as they entered the venue by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for Israel’s national side to be expelled from the sport because of the Gaza crisis.

Signs were displayed with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will feature the Welsh team if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals and the title decider, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for European club finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help engage a broader range of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would do the same at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be set aside for any that miss out on the finals through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and The North London arena finalize the nine host stadiums. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, 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 venue city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a competition for the fans and a celebration of everything we value about the sport – its emotion and ability to foster unity.”

Over 3 million tickets, a unprecedented number for a Euro tournament, are anticipated to be offered to fans.