Belfast was named as the venue for the qualifying draw for Euro 2028 after the city lost out to hosting any of the final tournament games following the failure to develop Casement Park.
The announcement that the December 2026 draw will be held at the ICC was made at the official launch of the tournament in London on Wednesday.
Separately, the Irish Government claimed the total socio-economic benefits to the country from the joint UK-Ireland tournament will be €449 million. The government is investing €93m.
Ireland will host seven games, five group, one in the round of sixteen and a quarter final. All the games will take place in Dublin.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, speaking after the announcement the qualifying draw will happen in Belfast, said Euro 28 “will leave a positive legacy for football in Northern Ireland”.
“It is fantastic news that we have been able to secure Belfast as the host of the qualifying draw,” Mr Lyons said.
“Hosting the qualifying draw provides an opportunity for local supporters and communities to engage with the tournament, generating excitement and pride in the event,” the minister added.
An independent assessment of the benefits to the south came up with the €449m number, with the benefits spread over three years from 2028.
Benefits include job creation, direct expenditure from international visitors to the tournament as well as significant positive legacy benefits for Irish football, according to the assessment commissioned by the Irish government.
Sports minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “Today is a huge day for Irish football with the official launch of UEFA EURO 2028.
“Ireland is ready to play its part in delivering a world-class tournament that will excite fans and energise communities across the country.”
