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England’s men’s team will initiate their Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, on the condition that they secure the expected passage for a tournament hosted across the bulk of Britain and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an Three Lions game since May 2016, when the Turkish team were beaten 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is expected to welcome the national team for their opening fixture on June 10, 2028.

The team are scheduled to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their knockout stage opener would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the knockouts at Everton’s ground.

Competition Kickoff and Rally

The championship was launched at an ceremony in central London on the previous evening. Key representatives from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were confronted as they entered the venue by around fifty activists, who urged the Israeli team to be removed from international football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Championship Timeline

The opening game of Euro 2028 will be played at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a game that will involve Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will attract family audiences and help engage a more diverse set of fans.

Host Nations

The Republic of Ireland are set to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the tournament through the standard process.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and The North London arena complete the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches staged at every host’s main arena.

The qualifying draw will be staged in Belfast, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the fans and a festival of everything we value about the sport – its passion and capacity to foster unity.”

In excess of three million passes, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be released to attendees.