ICC Belfast has been confirmed as the official venue for the hugely anticipated UEFA EURO 2028 Qualifying Draw, which will take place on 6 December 2026.
The prestigious event marks the first major milestone on the road to UEFA EURO 2028 — a tournament that will deliver the best-ever EURO, celebrating the passion, inclusivity and unity of football across the UK and Ireland.
The Qualifying Draw will determine the group stage matchups, with the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, progressing to the knockout rounds. The tournament itself will be staged across nine venues and eight cities.
The draw event at ICC Belfast is expected to attract Europe’s leading national team coaches, association representatives, UEFA leadership personnel and special guests, as well as extensive global media coverage. It will be broadcast live on Sunday 6 December 2026, shining an international spotlight on Belfast and Northern Ireland.
UEFA EURO 2028 will be a world-class, safe and sustainable tournament — built on excellence and inspiration, ensuring a welcoming experience for players, fans and communities. It is projected to generate a transformative social and economic impact, estimated at £3.6 billion (€4.1 billion) in benefits across the host nations through job creation, regional growth and international tourism.
The tournament will also deliver opportunities for people and communities, with local businesses, suppliers and volunteers gaining from training, skills development and employment pathways. With strong partnership and investment from all four governments, UEFA EURO 2028 will be a secure, world-class event that leaves a lasting social legacy.
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, said: “This is another landmark achievement for sport and tourism in Northern Ireland. Having seen the impact of The Open golf event this summer as a showcase for this place, the opportunity to host this pinnacle event in European football here in Belfast is stellar.
“This event will officially mark the countdown to the EURO tournament in 2028, and we’re looking forward to putting on a city-wide celebration to kick things off in style. The EURO 2028 Qualifying Draw will have all eyes on Belfast on December 6th next year — and we’re already planning how we’ll give the world of football our famous big Belfast welcome.”
Conrad Kirkwood, President of the Irish Football Association, said: “The road to UEFA EURO 2028 starts right here in Belfast. We are incredibly proud that our city will play such an important role in delivering what will be the best-ever EURO — one that celebrates passion, inclusivity and the power of football to bring people together.
“It’s a proud moment for the Irish FA and for everyone who loves football here in Northern Ireland.”
Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Football Association, added: “It’s a real privilege to host the Qualifying Draw for UEFA EURO 2028 — a key milestone in what promises to be a memorable, world-class tournament.
“We’ll welcome UEFA’s leadership, national associations and teams to Belfast, giving them the chance to experience everything our city and ICC Belfast have to offer. It’s fantastic news for Belfast, for Northern Ireland and for football across these islands.”
Image: Making the announcement were Irish Football Association CEO Patrick Nelson, Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, and Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood flanked by Hamdu Al Shbeeb and Poppy Cunningham, Football Scholars from Belfast Metropolitan College. Both are young volunteers with the Irish FA Foundation who have begun their Coach Education journey and secured their Level 1 coaching badge.