ENGLAND and the other host nations will have to earn their place at Euro 2028 despite the tournament being played in the British Isles.
But have confirmed a backdoor route for any of the four countries that does not make it by right.
As expected – with keen for the Three Lions to play competitive games ahead of the tournament rather than a year of friendlies – Uefa’s ruling executive committee has now confirmed the qualifying structure.
At a meeting in Bilbao, agreed that TWO spaces will be made available for the host nations who do not qualify by right when the campaign begins in March 2027.
Northern Ireland’s failure to provide a suitable stadium after the collapse of the plans to play matches at Casement Park means games will now be played in , , and the Republic of , although the Belfast-based side can still qualify.
As in Europe’s World Cup qualifying schedule, which continues next month, there will be 12 groups, consisting of either four or five teams, with the four co-hosts also taking part.
The 12 group winners and the best eight runners-up – with points earned against the teams placed first, third and fourth taken into account – will automatically qualify for the 24-team tournament.
Two further places will be available from a play-off system involving the other four runners-up and the best-ranked non-qualifiers from the campaign starting in September 2026, involving between eight and 12 teams.
And that leaves two final places for the two best co-hosts who did not qualify through their group finish, although it is understood that they will not be eligible for the play-off.
Matches are set to be held at 10 grounds, including Wembley, Glasgow‘s Hampden Park, Cardiff‘s Principality Stadium, Dublin‘s Aviva Stadium and Belfast‘s Casement Park.
The yet-to-be-finished Stadium, Stadium, Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park and Villa Park are the other English host grounds.
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will host the opening game on June 9 2028, with both semis and the July 9 Final played at .
The draw for the qualifying stage will take place in December 2026, at the conclusion of the Nations League.
