ICC Belfast secured to host UEFA EURO 2028 Qualifying Draw

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured at the official launch of UEFA EURO 2028 in London.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that ICC Belfast will host the UEFA EURO 2028 Qualifying Draw, marking a major win for Northern Ireland as excitement builds ahead of the tournament.

The announcement was made following the official tournament launch in London on Wednesday evening, where it was revealed that the qualifying draw will take place at ICC Belfast on 6 December 2026.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons welcomed the news, saying the tournament will leave “a positive legacy for football in Northern Ireland.”

He said:

“It is fantastic news that we have been able to secure Belfast as the host of the qualifying draw for UEFA EURO 2028. I am pleased that Northern Ireland will play this role in this prestigious tournament, and I will work with partners to ensure we deliver even more opportunities and leave the best possible legacy for local football.”

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (right) pictured at the official launch of UEFA EURO 2028 in London with (l-r) General Secretary of UEFA Theodore Theodoridis; Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of UK & Ireland 2028 Ltd; and Aleksander Čeferin, President of UEFA.

The Minister added that hosting the event would help strengthen community involvement in the sport and raise the profile of Northern Ireland on the European stage.

“Hosting the qualifying draw provides an opportunity for local supporters and communities to engage with the tournament, generating excitement and pride in the event,” he said.

The UEFA EURO 2028 tournament, to be jointly hosted across the UK and Ireland, is expected to deliver a significant economic and social boost to the region, with investment in sporting infrastructure and opportunities for local engagement.

The confirmation of ICC Belfast as a key venue reflects Northern Ireland’s growing reputation for successfully hosting international sporting and cultural events.