Saudi Arabia’s inaugural AFC Asian Cup rescheduled for December 2027-January 2028.
Dubai: The 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been pushed back by almost a year, with the tournament now set to take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the revised schedule on Tuesday, November 3. The tournament was initially scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, and was expected to feature 24 teams competing across eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
The postponement comes amid continuing regional tensions and security concerns in Saudi Arabia, which have created logistical difficulties and disrupted travel. The AFC said the decision was reached following consultations with the local organising committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
In its official statement, the governing body confirmed that the Saudi Arabia 2027 Asian Cup would be rescheduled to the period between December 23, 2027, and January 21, 2028. The updated dates will now be submitted to FIFA for approval.
Saudi journalist Hamd Al Suwaily reported that several rounds of the Saudi Roshn League could be played during the period originally allocated for the Asian Cup. The revised calendar will therefore require adjustments not only from participating national teams but also from Saudi domestic clubs.
Meanwhile, the UAE had been placed in Group E alongside South Korea, Vietnam and Yemen. Zlatko Dalic’s team were originally scheduled to begin their campaign against Vietnam on January 11, face Yemen on January 15 and take on South Korea on January 20.
With the tournament postponed, these fixtures will need to be rescheduled. The revised timeline also gives the UAE national team additional preparation time ahead of the continental competition.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. The tournament will feature 24 national teams, with Qatar entering as defending champions after winning the 2023 edition.
