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The English squad will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward qualification for a championship staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an English men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

England are set to play their final two group matches at Wembley, but, should they win Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Demonstration

The event was launched at an event in central London on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the organizing bodies were heckled as they entered the venue by approximately 50 activists, who urged Israel to be kicked out from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Banners were held up with messages saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Fixture List

The opening game of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will include Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the final, which will be held on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract family audiences and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two guaranteed slots will be set aside for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Stadiums and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and The North London arena round out the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals staged 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 proposed venue could not be renovated in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a competition for the fans and a showcase of everything we value about the sport – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

Over 3 million admissions, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be made available to supporters.