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England’s men’s team will embark on their 2028 European Championship campaign at the Manchester City’s stadium, on the condition that they secure the expected passage for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Manchester City’s home ground has not welcomed an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a exhibition match, but is almost certain to stage the Three Lions for their inaugural game on June 10, 2028.

The team are planned to play their last two group stage games at the national stadium, but, if they top their group, their last-16 tie would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Securing the runner-up spot would mean beginning the knockouts at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Rally

The championship was unveiled at an event in central London on Wednesday evening. Senior figures from European football’s governing body and the host football associations were heckled as they entered the site by around fifty protesters, who urged the Israeli team to be kicked out from global football because of the Gaza crisis.

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

Tournament Schedule

The opening game of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in the Welsh capital, on June 9, 2028, a match that will feature Wales if they make it.

The national stadium will host the two semi-final matches and the title decider, which will be staged on Sunday 9 July with a kick-off time at 5:00 PM.

It is anticipated that an afternoon start, which will also be used for Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will appeal to families and help reach a broader range of fans.

Host Nations

The Irish team are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Tartan Army would play similarly at the national stadium of Scotland.

All four host countries’ teams will participate in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be reserved for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Locations and Knockout Stage

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine tournament locations. Every stadium will hold at least one knockout match, with the quarterfinal matches held at every host’s main arena.

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

Tournament Vision

“The event will be a competition for the supporters and a festival of everything we love about the football – its passion and ability to bring people together.”

Over 3 million tickets, a record for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be released to attendees.