Uefa favours Ireland joint bid for Euro 2028 as 2030 World Cup hopes 'over'

European football’s governing body may look to encourage joint Ireland and UK bid to focus on Euro 2028, as it favours Spain-Portugal bid for World Cup

NICE CONSOLATION: While hopes of part-hosting the 2030 World Cup are fading, the Aviva Stadium could be one of the finals venues for Euro 2028. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Uefa favours a Spain-Portugal World Cup 2030 bid ahead of a tender by Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, it has emerged.

European football’s governing body is set to try to encourage the joint Ireland and UK bid to focus instead on Euro 2028, which Europe’s governing body would fully support if the home nations agree to stand down, the Irish Examiner understands.