The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been rescheduled, with the tournament now proposed to run from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028. The Asian Football Confederation announced the change on November 3, citing regional circumstances that have caused major logistical difficulties and travel disruptions.
The competition had been scheduled to begin on January 7, 2027, and finish on February 5. The AFC said exceptional circumstances made it necessary to move the tournament to protect the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
The new dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval, according to the AFC. The confederation made its decision after consulting Saudi Arabia’s local organizing committee and national football federation.
Saudi Arabia remains the host. The tournament is set to feature 24 teams at eight venues across Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar. The AFC has not announced a revised match schedule.
Yasser al-Misehal, head of the local organizing committee, said Saudi Arabia was fully ready to host the competition on the new dates and that preparations would continue with the AFC and its partners.
Reid Bentley