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The England national team will initiate their Euro 2028 campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the relatively straightforward qualification for a tournament taking place in the majority of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not staged an English men’s match since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is highly likely to host the England side for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

England are scheduled to play their final two group matches at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their last-16 tie would take place at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean starting the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Opening and Rally

The event was inaugurated at an ceremony in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were heckled as they entered the site by around fifty pro-Palestine demonstrators, who called for the Israeli team to be expelled from global football because of the conflict in Gaza.

Placards were held up with messages stating “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators chanted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

The opening game of the European Championship will be held at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include the Welsh team if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the final, which will be held on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5pm.

It is expected that an earlier kick-off, which will also be implemented for Champions League finals from the following campaign, will cater to households and help reach a wider spectrum of viewers.

Qualifying Teams

The Irish team are due to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will take part in the qualifying tournament; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that miss out on the tournament through the qualification path.

Venues and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground round out the event’s nine venues. All will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarter-finals staged at every host’s main arena.

The draw for the qualifiers will be staged in Belfast, which was removed as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the Belfast stadium could not be redeveloped in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“The event will be a tournament for the fans and a festival of everything we love about the game – its fervor and power to foster unity.”

More than three million tickets, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be made available to attendees.