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The English squad will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Etihad Stadium, assuming they achieve the relatively straightforward entry for a championship hosted across the majority of the UK and the Ireland.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an Three Lions match since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to host the national team for their first match on Saturday 10 June 2028.

The team are planned to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their round of 16 match would be held at St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at Everton’s ground.

Tournament Opening and Demonstration

The event was launched at an gathering in a London landmark on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from Uefa and the host football associations were barracked as they arrived the site by around fifty protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be kicked out from the sport because of the situation in Gaza.

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

Championship Fixture List

The inaugural fixture of the tournament will be held at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, on a Friday in June 2028, a fixture that will involve Wales if they secure a place.

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the title decider, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a start 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 reach a broader range of audiences.

Host Nations

The Irish team are scheduled to play their first game at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the preliminary stage; two reserved places will be set aside for any that do not reach Euro 2028 through the qualification path.

Venues and Elimination Phase

The Birmingham venue and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium round out the event’s nine venues. Each one will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

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

Official Statement

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

In excess of three million tickets, a all-time high for a Euro tournament, are expected to be offered to fans.