The Asian Football Confederation has announced the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, with Saudi Arabia remaining the host, following a review of tournament arrangements in light of developments across the region.
The decision followed extensive discussions and consultations with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Local Organising Committee, covering the circumstances surrounding the tournament and the requirements for participating teams and travelling supporters.
The AFC has set 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028 as the tournament’s new dates, replacing the original window of 7 January to 5 February 2027 — a postponement of almost a year.
The confederation said the AFC Asian Cup Organising Committee had approved the rescheduling because of the exceptional circumstances, including logistical challenges and travel disruptions. The revised dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval.
Its statement stressed that these conditions prevented the competition from taking place as originally scheduled. The postponement is intended to safeguard the interests of teams, officials, supporters and all other tournament stakeholders.
The AFC will continue coordinating with the Local Organising Committee, participating member associations, broadcast partners and sponsors to revise operational and commercial arrangements and minimise the impact of the change. Further updates will be announced through its official channels.
Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Cup for the first time, with 24 teams taking part. Tournament plans had included eight stadiums across Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, making revisions to the match schedule a central part of the organisational work ahead.
Qatar will enter the next edition as defending champions after winning the 2019 and 2023 tournaments. The new dates will require national teams to adapt their preparation plans, while shifting the impact of international players’ absences from their clubs to the 2027–28 season.
