Ireland and UK confirmed as Euro 2028 co-hosts

Ireland will host a major international football tournament for the first time after UEFA officially approved the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales as Euro 2028 co-hosts.

Turkey’s withdrawal last week - they will host the 2032 European Football Championship with Italy instead - left the five-nation bid unopposed but the UK-Irish proposal was already the overwhelming favourite to be selected and that was confirmed at a ceremony in Nyon, Switzerland today.

The Aviva Stadium had been due to host four games at Euro 2020, the tournament being then delayed by a year due to Covid. UEFA ultimately moved the three group games scheduled for Dublin to St Petersburg, and one last-16 game to Wembley after the Football Association of Ireland and the Government were unable to provide guarantees of at least 25% capacity spectator attendance.

Ten stadia were included in the UK-Ireland Euro 2028 bid submission in April. Six of the venues are in England, with one each from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

A redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast and the Aviva Stadium in Dublin are the Irish venues.

It's understood Dublin will stage at least six Euro 2028 games, four in the group stage, one in the last 16, and one quarter-final with the West Belfast venue in line to host at least five fixtures.

Casement Park has been unused since 2013 but last year a legal challenge against a decision to grant planning approval for the redevelopment was dismissed and owners Ulster GAA are now hopeful of having games played there in late 2025.

Despite the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive, the UK government has indicated funding will be available for work now estimated at costing £110m+ while