In a groundbreaking decision by UEFA’s executive committee, the co-hosts for the 2028 European Championship—England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—will not enjoy the automatic qualification that typically accompanies hosting duties. In recent years, host nations have often found themselves granted direct access to the finals, providing an enormous advantage and boosting nationwide excitement.
Republic of Ireland – IRL
As Thomas Tuchel takes the helm of the English national football team beginning January 1, the landscape of international football will witness a significant transformation. While the England team has shown promise under Gareth Southgate and interim coach Lee Carsley, the emphasis now shifts to a singular objective: securing victory at the 2026 World Cup.