Euro 2028: Northern Ireland will not be classed as host nation for tournament

Casement Park in Belfast had initially been named as one of the host venues for Euro 2028, but plans to redevelop the stadium in time for the finals were halted in September.

The UK government said the estimated cost of rebuilding the stadium had “risen dramatically” to more than £400m.

It said it would not be providing funding to redevelop the stadium in time for the tournament, adding that there was a “significant risk” it would not be built in time.

Courell suggested he would still like to see Northern Ireland play some part in the Euro 2028 tournament.

“The reality is, while they may not be hosting, we still absolutely want them to feature in this tournament, and we’re in deep conversations with UEFA about what shape and form that will take, whether or not they can host training facilities or events or anything of that nature.”

The FAI CEO also revealed that Euro 2026 matches originally scheduled to be held at Casement Park could be held in the Republic of Ireland, but only at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

The Aviva Stadium is set to host four group games and two knockout games, including a quarter-final, as it stands.