Middle East Conflict Forces AFC to Postpone 2027 Asian Cup

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by nearly 11 months due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, security concerns and travel disruptions.

The tournament, originally scheduled from January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now be held from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028. The revised dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval.

The decision follows extensive consultations between the AFC, Saudi Arabia's Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The confederation cited exceptional regional circumstances, logistical difficulties and travel disruptions, saying the postponement was necessary to protect participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.

Security concerns intensified following an attack on Riyadh's international airport last month that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility. The group also claimed to have launched drones towards Dammam airport on November 2.

The 24-team competition will be staged across eight venues in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar. It will mark Saudi Arabia's first time hosting the continental championship and is viewed as an important preparation event ahead of the country's 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Saudi organising committee chief Yasser Al-Misehal said the kingdom had been fully prepared to host the tournament as originally scheduled. He added that preparations would continue with the same momentum towards the revised dates.

The postponement could also affect national teams' coaching arrangements, particularly Australia, South Korea, Japan and Iraq, whose coaches have contracts linked to the original tournament schedule.

Several other sporting events have faced disruptions in the region, including the postponement of the Saudi International golf tournament, cancellation of cycling's Urban World Championships and rescheduling of the Six Kings Slam tennis event in Riyadh. FIFAe Finals 2026 in Jeddah have also been postponed.