2027 AFC Asian Cup Postponed to December 2027 Over Regional Tensions
The 2027 Asian Cup, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, has been postponed from January to December 2027 due to exceptional circumstances in the region, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced.
The tournament, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now hold from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
In a statement on Tuesday, the AFC said its organising committee approved the change following developments in the region, citing logistical challenges and travel disruptions.
“The organising committee for AFC Asian Cup approved rescheduling the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region,” the governing body said.
It added that the new dates would be presented to FIFA for approval.
The decision follows the cancellation or postponement of several major sporting events in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks amid regional security concerns, including reported Houthi attacks on the country.
The Saudi cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are scheduled to host the month-long competition.
The AFC said the decision followed extensive discussions and consultations with Saudi officials, adding that the circumstances had made it necessary to postpone the tournament in the interest of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
Last month, local organisers had maintained that preparations for the competition were on schedule despite concerns about whether it would go ahead as planned.
By Oluwafemi Shodipe.
