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England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship journey at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they achieve the expected passage for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an Three Lions match since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were beaten 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to host the Three Lions for their inaugural game on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Rally

The event was unveiled at an event in central London on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they approached the location by about 50 protesters, who called for Israel to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

Signs were raised with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The first match of the European Championship will be played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve the Dragons if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be held 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 implemented for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will attract family audiences and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be set aside for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the standard process.

Venues and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was excluded as a host city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on 6 December 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we cherish about the game – its emotion and power to foster unity.”

In excess of three million passes, a record for a UEFA European Championship, are projected to be released to attendees.