While Belfast won’t host any games in Euro 2028, the Qualifying Draw will take place in the city next December
Dublin will host seven Euro 2028 matches, including one quarter-final, it was confirmed on Wednesday night.
And if Ireland qualify directly for the tournament, they will play all their group games at the Aviva Stadium, which will be known as the Dublin Arena for the duration of the finals.
Ireland could also play a last-16 game in Dublin – if they win their group. Otherwise, it could be trips to Tottenham, Newcastle or Manchester in the knockouts.
Five group games, one last-16 match and a quarter-final will be staged in Dublin, one of nine venues selected across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
And the Government last night predicted that a €93million investment would yield €449million in social and economic benefits.
FAI CEO David Courell said: “Bringing UEFA EURO 2028 to Ireland is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the fair city of Dublin, our country and our football to the world.
“Our amazing fans are known for their passion and we look forward to providing them, as well as the hundreds of thousands of people who will visit Ireland for the tournament, with the type of euphoric experience that they will never forget as we aim to play our part in delivering the best EURO yet.”
The stalled Casement Park redevelopment project meant that Northern Ireland has missed out on the chance to host games with Windsor Park falling short of UEFA’s capacity requirements.
Belfast, however, has been confirmed as the venue for the Qualifying Draw, which will take place at the ICC Belfast on Sunday, December 6.
Conrad Kirkwood, President of the Irish Football Association, said: “The road to UEFA EURO 2028 starts right here in Belfast. We are incredibly proud that our city will play such an important role in delivering what will be the best-ever EURO — one that celebrates passion, inclusivity and the power of football to bring people together.
“It’s a proud moment for the Irish FA and for everyone who loves football here in Northern Ireland.”
Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Football Association, added: “It’s a real privilege to host the Qualifying Draw for UEFA EURO 2028 — a key milestone in what promises to be a memorable, world-class tournament.
“We’ll welcome UEFA’s leadership, national associations and teams to Belfast, giving them the chance to experience everything our city and ICC Belfast have to offer. It’s fantastic news for Belfast, for Northern Ireland and for football across these islands.”
Here are some facts and figures to emerge from the official launch of Euro 2028:
- There will be 51 matches played overall across Euro 2028
- 24 teams will qualify for the tournament, which will be played across 31 days
- Host nations will play all their group games in front of their own fans if they qualify directly
- Cardiff will host the tournament’s opening game
- Wembley Stadium will host the semi-finals and final
- The quarter-finals will be played in Dublin , Hampden Park , Cardiff and Wembley Stadium
- Host Cities will stage a minimum of two different groups (Dublin will host two Group B games and three Group E games)
- Ireland will be automatically drawn into Group E if they qualify directly
- The Irish Government will invest €93million into the hosting of Euro 2028, and estimates €449million in social and economic benefits
- The stadium capacities are:
86,000 – Wembley Stadium
73,000 – Cardiff National Stadium
60,000 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
58,000 – Manchester City Stadium
51,000 – Hampden Park
50,000 – Dublin Arena, Everton Stadium, St James’ Park
48,000 – Villa Park
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