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England’s men’s team will commence their 2028 European Championship adventure at the Etihad Stadium, provided that they achieve the anticipated passage for a tournament staged throughout the majority of the UK and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not welcomed an English men’s game since May 2016, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to stage the England side for their first match on June 10, 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their round of 16 match would occur at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Opening and Rally

The championship was launched at an gathering in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the location by approximately 50 pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were displayed with messages reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while protesters chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Championship Schedule

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a match that will include the Dragons if they qualify.

Wembley Stadium 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 hoped that an afternoon start, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to households and help connect with a more diverse set of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Ireland are set to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and the Tartan Army would follow suit at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through that route.

Locations and Knockout Stage

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the nine host stadiums. All will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in Belfast, which was removed as a host city last year when it emerged the proposed venue could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a tournament for the fans and a celebration of everything we cherish about the football – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

More than three million passes, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be offered to attendees.