Saudi Arabia's 2027 Asian Cup pushed back by nearly a year
The AFC has moved the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to December 2027 to January 2028, citing regional security concerns and travel disruption.
The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by almost a year. The tournament will now run from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, instead of the January 7 to February 5, 2027 window first set. The AFC said the change followed talks with the local organising committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, citing regional tensions and security concerns that have caused logistical challenges and travel disruptions. The revised dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval. The 24-team competition was due to be played across eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. Saudi Roshn League fixtures will also be rearranged to fit rounds into the original tournament period, so domestic clubs as well as national teams will need to adjust. The United Arab Emirates, drawn in Group E with South Korea, Vietnam and Yemen, had been due to open against Vietnam on January 11, and those matches will now be rescheduled, giving the UAE more time to prepare. Qatar, the 2023 champion, enters as defending titleholder.