Euro 2028: Northern Ireland hosts the qualifying draw for the tournament

The Football Association of Ireland said it was “fantastic news” that the Euro 2028 qualifying draw will be held in Belfast.

England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will host the tournament, and no matches will be held in Northern Ireland.

Casement Park, which has not been in operation since 2013, was originally listed as one of the venues to be considered when the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland submitted their bids to host Euro 2028.

However, the stadium in west Belfast was withdrawn from the list of venues in September 2024 after the UK government said it would not provide funding to redevelop the stadium in time for the tournament.

Conrad Kirkwood, President of the Football Association of Ireland, said: “We are extremely proud that our city will play such an important role in delivering the best European Championship ever, one that celebrates passion, inclusivity and the power of football to bring people together.”

“This is a proud moment for the Irish FA and everyone who loves football here in Northern Ireland.”

With the opening match of the tournament scheduled for Cardiff and matches taking place in stadiums across England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, the qualifying draw is, so far, the only official Euro 2028 entry scheduled to take place in Northern Ireland.

It will be held on 6 December 2026 at ICC Belfast.

“It is a true honor to host the qualifying draw for Euro 2028 – a major milestone in what will be an unforgettable global tournament,” Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said.

“We will welcome the leadership of UEFA, national associations and teams to Belfast, giving them the opportunity to experience all that our city and the ICC have to offer in Belfast.

“This is great news for Belfast, for Northern Ireland and for football across these islands.”