Saudi Arabia moves Asian Cup to late 2027 due to conflict
The tournament now starts in December 2027, shifting the schedule because of ongoing regional attacks.
By Camila Herrera ·
The Asian Football Confederation changed the dates for the 2027 Asian Cup on Tuesday. The tournament will now open in December 2027 instead of January.
The AFC announced the revised schedule on November 3. The event was originally set to start in Riyadh on January 7, 2027. Under the new plan, the opening match is scheduled for December 23, 2027. The competition will conclude on January 21, 2028. This change means the tournament will span two calendar years.
The decision followed talks between the AFC, the Local Organising Committee, and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The confederation cited regional developments that created logistical issues. They noted that travel was interrupted, making it difficult to hold the event on the original dates.
Security concerns drove the postponement. Saudi Arabia has faced attacks by Yemen’s Houthis since September. Missiles have hit several cities, including Riyadh. The capital was supposed to host the opening game. These attacks occur as fighting continues between the Yemeni government and the Houthis.
Hostilities escalated recently. On Friday, a Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting a Houthi drone near Mecca. A missile aimed at western Saudi Arabia was also destroyed. The AFC said the delay serves the interests of teams, officials, and spectators.
The new schedule is not yet final. The AFC must submit the dates to FIFA for approval. Football’s global governing body will review the proposal for the December 2027 start.
