AFC Postpones 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to December 2027-January 2028 Amid Regional Tensions

November 3, 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has delayed the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 due to recent attacks in the region. The tournament will now be played between December 23, 2027 and January 21, 2028 instead of beginning on January 7, 2027.

The AFC and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced the new dates on Tuesday following talks with the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The 24-team tournament was due to be played between January 7 and February 5, 2027 but the new dates will be put forward to FIFA.

AFC cites travel issues and logistics

In a statement the AFC said the tournament date change had been agreed by the organising committee “due to exceptional circumstances.”

The confederation added that the decision had been made due to “significant logistical complications and travelling issues”.

They added that it was in the best interests of the teams, officials, fans and other stakeholders to delay the tournament.

The announcement comes just one week after the AFC and LOC confirmed the venues and fixtures.

Saudi Arabia targeted by deadly attacks

The tournament has been delayed due to a number of attacks being carried out against Saudi Arabia.

One strike took place at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10.

The attack left 12 dead and 309 injured, according to Saudi authorities. The strike was claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement and was one of the deadliest attacks the country has seen in over a decade.

This raised questions over whether Saudi Arabia would be able to hold major international sporting events.

But the LOC had previously said everything was on track for the Asian Cup to be played in January 2027.

More sporting events delayed

The Asian Cup is not the only major sporting event in Saudi Arabia to have their dates changed.

The FIFAe Finals 2026 were delayed by FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation. The event was due to take place in Jeddah between October 16 and 25.

The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition was also delayed in Saudi Arabia due to logistical issues. The event will now take place between December 27 and 30, 2026.

The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 will still take place in the country but the new dates are subject to approval from FIFA.