AFC postpones 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to December 2027
The Asian Football Confederation moved the Saudi-hosted 2027 Asian Cup from January to December 2027, citing the regional conflict and security concerns.
This summary was written by AI to complete the context; it is not based on a current source.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the continent's governing body, announced on 3 November 2026 that the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia would be postponed by almost a year. The tournament was due to run from 7 January to 5 February 2027. The new dates are 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, subject to approval by FIFA, world football's governing body.
The AFC pointed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, security concerns and travel disruption. Other sporting events in Saudi Arabia had also been cancelled or postponed in recent weeks after attacks on the country. The final draw had already been postponed indefinitely in March 2026; it was originally planned for April in Riyadh.
The tournament keeps the name 2027 AFC Asian Cup despite running into 2028. It features 24 teams, with Qatar as defending champion after winning the 2023 edition. The move removed the original January deadline and forced national teams, including the hosts, to rework their preparation calendars, including planned friendlies and training camps.
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