What latest UEFA update means for Ireland's chances of automatic Euro 2028 place
Ireland have received a boost in their bid to qualify for Euro 2028 following UEFA's latest update.
The governing body confirmed places at the tournament will be reserved for the two best-ranked host nations who don't automatically qualify.
Ireland were confirmed as co-hosts along with Scotland, Wales and England back in 2023. Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England will co-host UEFA EURO 2028. Pic: Kristian Skeie/UEFA via Sportsfile
Northern Ireland had been included as part of initial plans but that fell through when the plug was pulled on funding for the dilapidated Casement Park.
The GAA ground has not been used since 2011 and spiralling construction costs have kept the project grounded for years on end.
Elsewhere, in Dublin, the Aviva Stadium is scheduled to host six games throughout the tournament. Casement Park's inclusion in Euro 2028 was shelved as issues persisted with the derelict GAA ground. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
That figure could yet swell, however, with the five fixtures intended for Casement Park set to be divided out among other nations.
The latest update from UEFA is a positive; it means that if two of England, Wales and Scotland reach the tournament through qualifying, Ireland are guaranteed to be at the tournament.
That is irrespective of how they get on in their own qualification campaign, making it a backdoor safety net for the Boys in Green – although fans will still be looking for a solid qualifying campaign when it rolls around.
As Casement Park is out of the equation, Northern Ireland will not be similarly afforded a backdoor exemption if they fail to qualify for the tournament.
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