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The English squad will embark on their Euro 2028 journey at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a tournament staged throughout most of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

City’s stadium has not staged an Three Lions game since May 2016, when Turkey were overcome 2-1 in a friendly, but is almost certain to welcome the Three Lions for their first match on a Saturday in June 2028.

The team are set to play their final two group matches at the national stadium, but, if they top Group B, their round of 16 match would occur at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Placing second would mean starting the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Competition Launch and Rally

The event was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday evening. Key representatives from the tournament organizers and the host FAs were barracked as they entered the location by approximately 50 activists, who demanded the Israeli team to be removed from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

Banners were raised with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while demonstrators called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Timeline

The first match of the European Championship will be staged at the Cardiff’s stadium in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will include Wales if they make it.

Wembley will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, 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 implemented for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help engage a broader range of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are due to play their opening match at the Aviva Stadium and the Scottish team would do the same at the national stadium of Scotland.

The national sides of all four hosts will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be held in reserve for any that miss out on Euro 2028 through that route.

Venues and Knockout Stage

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one elimination game, with the last eight staged at the national stadium of each host.

The qualifying draw will be staged in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a host city last year when it became clear the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Tournament Vision

“This will be a competition for the supporters and a celebration of everything we cherish about the game – its passion and capacity to bring people together.”

More than three million tickets, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are expected to be released to fans.