Euro 2028 co-hosts denied automatic qualification but will have safety net
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Euro 2028 co-hosts’ path to tournament could prove to be difficult
- The UK and Ireland (England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland), co-hosts of Euro 2028, will not receive automatic qualification but have a safety net.
- They will participate in the qualifying phase, competing in separate groups.
- Two final tournament spots are reserved for the two highest-ranked host nations if they don't qualify directly.
- The remaining spots will be determined through play-offs involving runners-up and Nations League teams, depending on how many host nations qualify directly.
- This decision allows host nations to maintain competitive play leading up to the tournament.