Northern Ireland is not eligible for the back-door route to qualification for Euro 2028 after Casement Park was ruled out as a venue, it is understood. In September, the UK Government torpedoed hopes that the currently derelict west Belfast venue would host games in Euro 2028 when it announced that

Northern Ireland have been told they are no longer eligible for one of the backup spots, earmarked by UEFA for co-hosts who fail to qualify automatically. It means the Republic of Ireland now have a clear path to Euro 2028 qualification. That's because Casement Park in Belfast was ruled out as a host venue, as it won't be redeveloped in time.

Ireland’s qualifying prospects have received a major boost as Northern Ireland cannot avail of an automatic slot in the wake of the Casement Park decision.