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England’s men’s team will initiate their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, provided that they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an Three Lions fixture since eight years ago, when the visitors were overcome 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to host the Three Lions for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, in the event of winning their group, their knockout stage opener would take place at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Protest

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday night. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the venue by about 50 activists, who demanded Israel’s national side to be expelled from international football because of the situation in Gaza.

Banners were displayed with slogans stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Event Timeline

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a game that will involve Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be staged on July 9, 2028 with a commencement at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an earlier start, which will also be used for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will appeal to households and help reach a wider spectrum of fans.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are scheduled to play their opening match at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will enter the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for the finals through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the event’s nine venues. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at each country’s national stadium.

The draw for the qualifiers will be conducted in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a venue city last year when it became clear Casement Park could not be redeveloped in time, on 6 December 2026.

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a championship for the fans and a showcase of everything we cherish about the game – its fervor and power to unite individuals.”

In excess of three million tickets, a all-time high for a UEFA European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.