Euro 2028: France seeded but threatened by strong Pot 3 at draw

France will be seeded for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw, scheduled for December 6 in Belfast, but this status does not shield them from a demanding group.

Zinédine Zidane’s side will avoid the major European nations placed in Pot 1 — Spain, England, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Italy notably — as well as Norway, currently ranked 12th in the Nations League standings. Before this draw, France still have two Nations League group-stage matches to play: against Italy in Milan on November 12, then against Turkey in Bordeaux on November 15. These results will also determine the final pots.

Pot 2 already contains several serious opponents: Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Czech Republic, Wales and Turkey. But it is Pot 3 that poses the real threat. No fewer than seven teams that competed at Euro 2024 are there: Ukraine, Scotland, Poland, Georgia with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Romania, Slovakia and Albania. For Kvaratskhelia, a return to training is not expected for six months.

To qualify, teams will need to finish in the top two of their group. Euro 2028, dubbed “UEFA Euro 28 UK & Ireland”, will be held from June 9 to July 9 across nine designated stadiums: Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Etihad Stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium, St James’ Park and Villa Park in England, as well as Hampden Park in Scotland, the Principality Stadium in Wales and the Aviva Stadium in Ireland.