2027 Africa Cup? No: Asian Cup Postponed to December 2027 Over Middle East Tensions

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed from January to December 2027 following security concerns and logistical challenges linked to developments in the Middle East.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the continent’s football governing body, announced the decision on Tuesday, saying the tournament’s organising committee had approved a change to the schedule because of what it described as “exceptional circumstances” in the region.

The competition, initially scheduled to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.

In its statement, the AFC also cited substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions as factors behind the decision. It said the revised dates would be presented to FIFA for approval.

The postponement follows a series of cancellations and changes to major sporting events in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks amid reported Houthi attacks on the country.

Saudi Arabia had previously maintained that preparations for the tournament were on schedule despite growing concerns about whether the competition could proceed as planned.

The cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are expected to host the month-long tournament, which will feature national teams from across Asia.

The AFC said the decision followed extensive discussions and close consultation with Saudi officials. It added that the exceptional circumstances had made it necessary to move the competition to protect the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.