A series of deadly attacks on the host country has forced the postponement of the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
It was due to run from 7 January to 5 February, but it will now take place from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028.
The trigger was a missile attack in October by Yemen’s Houthi movement on Riyadh’s airport, which killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, BBC Sport reported.
The Asian Football Confederation said in a statement that it made the decision to reschedule “in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions”. It added: “The new dates of the tournament will be presented to Fifa for approval.”
“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed today, Tuesday, 3 November 2026 following coordination with the Local Organizing Committee of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), that the upcoming edition of Asia’s premier national team competition, originally scheduled to take place from 7 January to 5 February, 2027, has been rescheduled to 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028 in Saudi Arabia”
“The LOC reaffirms its continued preparations and close coordination with the AFC and all relevant stakeholders to deliver an exceptional edition of the tournament that reflects the kingdom’s standings and meets the aspirations of football fans across Asia.”
AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™️ has been rescheduled to 23 December, 2027 to 21 January, 2028 in Saudi Arabia. https://t.co/agp35cwndF
— Saudi 2027 (@saudi2027) November 3, 2026
The tournament isn’t the only casualty. A number of events in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled recently, including the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, which was scheduled to be held in Riyadh.
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