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England’s men’s team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 journey at the the home of Manchester City, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament hosted across the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

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

The team are planned to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, should they win the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Securing the runner-up spot would mean commencing the playoffs at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Rally

The event was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Key representatives from Uefa and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the site by about 50 activists, who called for the Israeli team to be expelled from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were raised with phrases reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Timeline

The first match of the tournament will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a game that will involve the Welsh team if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a start time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to family audiences and help reach a broader range of viewers.

Host Nations

The Irish team are scheduled to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will take part in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be set aside for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Playoffs

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals staged at each country’s national stadium.

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

Official Statement

“The event will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the sport – its passion and capacity to foster unity.”

In excess of three million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are projected to be made available to attendees.