The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially postponed the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia, with the tournament now scheduled to take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
The 24-team tournament was originally scheduled from January 7 to February 5, 2027, but has been delayed by nearly a year following security concerns and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The AFC confirmed the decision on Tuesday following extensive discussions with the tournament’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).
According to the AFC, the decision was made due to exceptional circumstances in the region, including significant logistical challenges and travel disruptions that could affect the tournament’s organization.
The postponement comes amid growing security concerns in Saudi Arabia following a series of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. Several major sporting events in the country have also been postponed or canceled in recent weeks.
The AFC said the situation had created difficulties in holding the tournament as originally planned, making the postponement necessary in the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators, and other stakeholders.
The revised dates will now be submitted to FIFA for approval.
The tournament, featuring 24 national teams, is set to take place across three Saudi cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
Saudi organizers had previously maintained that preparations were progressing according to schedule despite concerns over the security situation.
The LOC has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the tournament and said preparations would continue in close coordination with the AFC and other stakeholders.
The AFC also said it would work with participating national associations, sponsors, broadcasters, and other partners to minimize the impact of the postponement and ensure the successful organization of the tournament.
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