No Free Pass: EURO 2028 hosts will be required to qualify for UEFA showpiece

May 22 – In a dramatic break from tradition, UEFA European Championship hosts will need to qualify for EURO 2028, meaning joint-organisers England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland could face the unprecedented scenario of missing their own tournament.

This marks the first time in EUROs history that host nations aren’t granted automatic qualification. UEFA’s revised protocols establish a complex qualification pathway:

12 qualifying groups will determine group winners and eight best-placed runners-up for direct qualification
The four host nations will compete in separate qualifying groups
Two spots are reserved for the highest-ranked host nations who don’t qualify through traditional means
Remaining places will be decided through play-offs between non-qualified runners-up and the best-ranked 2026-27 Nations League group winners

The play-off format varies based on host nation qualification needs:

If two host spots are used: Eight teams compete in two pathways via single-leg semis and finals
If one host spot is used: Twelve countries compete across three pathways via single-leg semis and finals
If no host spots are needed: Eight teams contest four home-and-away play-offs

Nine stadiums will host matches across the four nations:

England:  Wembley Stadium, Read more …

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