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The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 adventure at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a championship staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions game since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Placing second would mean starting the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Championship Opening and Demonstration

The tournament was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they entered the site by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who urged Israel’s national side to be kicked out from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

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

Event Fixture List

The opening game of the European Championship will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will involve Wales if they qualify.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a kick-off time at late afternoon.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help connect with a more diverse set of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their initial fixture at the Aviva Stadium and the Tartan Army would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the tournament through that route.

Stadiums and Playoffs

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was removed as a host city last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a competition for the followers and a showcase of everything we value about the football – its passion and capacity to bring people together.”

Over 3 million passes, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to attendees.