England must qualify for Euro 2028 despite being co‑host

UEFA announced that the four co‑hosts of the 2028 European Championship – England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland – will have to compete in the normal qualification process. All 55 European national teams will be drawn into twelve groups of four or five, with group winners and the eight best runners‑up qualifying directly. Two extra spots are reserved for any host that fails to qualify, meaning England’s participation is still highly likely.

The decision contrasts with FIFA’s rule for the 2030 World Cup, where Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay receive automatic berths as hosts of a single match each, while the three main hosts – Spain, Portugal and Morocco – are also directly qualified. England’s home matches are slated for Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur, Etihad, the new Everton stadium, St James’ Park and Villa Park.