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England’s men’s team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 campaign at the the home of Manchester City, on the condition that they attain the expected passage for a competition taking place in most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not hosted an England men’s fixture since the spring of 2016, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the national team for their opening fixture on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are planned to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, if they top the preliminary round, their last-16 tie would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean starting the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Rally

The event was unveiled at an ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were barracked as they arrived the location by about 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Championship Schedule

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

Wembley will host both semi-finals and the championship match, which will be played on July 9, 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from next season, will attract families and help connect with a wider spectrum of fans.

Host Nations

The Ireland are scheduled to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and Scotland would do the same at Hampden Park.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the preliminary stage; two guaranteed slots will be reserved for any that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 through that route.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium complete the nine tournament locations. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarterfinal matches held at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a tournament location last year when it became clear the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Leadership Comment

“It will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we cherish about the sport – its passion and capacity to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a all-time high for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be offered to fans.