The four host countries for Euro 2028 will participate in the qualifiers with two guaranteed places.

 The four host nations of Euro 2028—England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—will be required to participate in qualifying for the continental finals, but two places will be reserved for host nations that do not qualify, according to UEFA.

UEFA confirmed on Wednesday the qualification format for the continental finals, with 24 teams, with two places reserved for host nations that do not qualify.

In a statement following a meeting of its Executive Committee in Bilbao, where the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will be held later today, the European football governing body said, "The host nations... will also participate in the qualifying rounds in separate groups." It added, "Two places in the finals will be reserved for the two best-ranked host nations who did not qualify as group winners or among the best runners-up after the group stage."

The 20 teams that will qualify directly for the finals are the winners of the 12 groups and the eight best runners-up, with the remaining four places to be decided through playoffs.

Holding the tournament in four countries does not allow for an automatic place for everyone, unlike the 2024 edition, which was hosted solely by Germany.

British media outlets had reported on this desire even before the 2028 hosts were chosen, explaining that England wanted to face strong opponents through the qualifiers, rather than playing friendly matches without much seriousness.

Since 1984, the Three Lions have failed to qualify for the finals only once, in the 16-team tournament in 2008. However, qualification will be more difficult for other host nations, such as Ireland, who missed the last two editions and have only participated three times in their history. Wales waited until the tournament was expanded to 24 teams to secure a place in the 2016 and 2021 editions, before missing out again in 2024. The 2028 European Championship will be held in nine stadiums in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham, Dublin, Glasgow, and Cardiff.