Official: Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia postponed to December 2027
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed today, Tuesday, that it has rescheduled the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals. The tournament, set to be held in Saudi Arabia, will now run from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, rather than its original slot between 7 January and 5 February 2027.
The AFC said, in a statement on its official website: "Following extensive discussions and close consultations with the Local Organising Committee of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed that the upcoming edition of the continent's crown jewel of tournaments, which had originally been scheduled to take place during the period from 7 January to 5 February 2027, will now be held during the period from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028."
It added: "The AFC Asian Cup Organising Committee has approved the rescheduling of the premier tournament for national teams, in light of the current circumstances and developments taking place in the region, and the considerations these may entail relating to travel arrangements and logistical aspects. The new dates for the tournament will be submitted to FIFA for approval."
The statement continued: "This decision comes as a result of the extraordinary circumstances preventing the organisation and staging of the tournament according to the original timeline, which has made postponing it a necessity that serves the interests of all participating teams, officials, fans and all relevant parties."
Praise followed for the hosts: "The Asian Football Confederation commends the commitment of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Local Organising Committee to delivering a world-class tournament for the continent's players and fans."
On the road ahead, it added: "The AFC will continue to work closely with the Local Organising Committee, the participating member national associations, its esteemed sponsors, its broadcast partners, commercial partners and all relevant parties, in order to organise an exceptional tournament befitting the stature of the oldest men's national team competition in Asia, along with the operational excellence associated with it, while minimising the impact of the postponement to the lowest possible level."
It concluded: "Further updates will be announced through the official channels of the Asian Football Confederation."
