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England’s men’s team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they attain the anticipated qualification for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an English men’s match since eight years ago, when the visitors were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is highly likely to welcome the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The English side are set to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, in the event of winning the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the elimination stage at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Kickoff and Rally

The championship was launched at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they arrived the location by approximately 50 protesters, who urged Israel to be removed from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Fixture List

The first match of Euro 2028 will be held at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, on Friday 9 June, a fixture that will include Wales if they make it.

Wembley Stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5:00 PM.

It is hoped that an earlier start, which will also be used for European club finals from the following campaign, will appeal to family audiences and help engage a wider spectrum of audiences.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualification process; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that fail to qualify for the tournament through that route.

Stadiums and Playoffs

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight held at every host’s main arena.

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

Official Statement

“This will be a tournament for the fans and a celebration of everything we love about the sport – its passion and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million admissions, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to fans.