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England’s men’s team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they attain the anticipated qualification for a championship staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an England men’s game since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to welcome the national team for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Launch and Protest

The tournament was unveiled at an ceremony in a London landmark on the previous evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host football associations were confronted as they approached the site by about 50 protesters, who urged Israel to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Event Schedule

The first match of the European Championship will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve the Welsh team if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be used for European club finals from the following campaign, will appeal to households and help engage a more diverse set of audiences.

Host Nations

The Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will participate in the qualification process; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena finalize the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the quarterfinal matches played at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a venue city last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be renovated in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“This will be a tournament for the supporters and a festival of everything we value about the football – its emotion and capacity to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are projected to be offered to attendees.