Euro 2028 boost for Ireland as UEFA confirms qualification path for host nations
Ireland are well placed to compete at Euro 2028 after UEFA today confirmed the qualification process for the finals.
UEFA are reserving two spots in the tournament for the two best ranked host nations who do not qualify as group winners or best runners-up.
Ireland want to qualify by right but, as a fallback, they will be guaranteed a place at the tournament if at least two of England, Scotland and Wales qualify.
Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales are co-hosting the 2028 finals and will all contest the standard group stage qualifying campaign.
There will be 12 groups of four or five teams, with the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales drawn into separate groups.
The 12 group winners and eight best runners-up will advance directly to the 24-team Euro 2028 finals, with Dublin one of the nine host venues.
As had been mooted, UEFA will hold two spots for host nations who do not qualify automatically.
The last two spots at Euro 2028 will be assigned via play-offs between the remaining group runners-up and the Nations League 2026/27 non-qualified group winners.
Northern Ireland is no longer a host nation, after Casement Park in Belfast was dropped from the list of venues due to ongoing funding delays for redevelopment.
As it stands, Aviva Stadium is set to host four group games and two knockout games, including a quarter-final - but could be in line for more matches.
UEFA expects to confirm the full breakdown when its tournament schedule is released this autumn.
Meanwhile, the Irish economy received a €17 million boost from Dublin staging the 2024 Europa League final.
That's according to an EY impact report into the economic and social benefits of the Aviva Stadium final last May, when Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen.
FAI chief executive David Courell said: 'We are immensely proud that the 2024 UEFA Europa League Final has made such a valuable contribution to the Irish economy.
'It was crucial for us to surpass the impact of our previous hosting in 2011. These figures, demonstrating a €17 million economic benefit and significant job support, affirm that success.
'This achievement cements a powerful legacy as we look ahead to co-hosting UEFA EURO 2028.'
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