The 2027 AFC Asian Cup has been postponed to December 2027 because of attacks on Saudi Arabia and unrest in the Gulf, the local organising committee announced on Tuesday (November 3), Sportstar reported. The 19th edition had been due to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027; it will now be held from December 23, 2027 to January 21, 2028, France 24 reported, citing AFP.
Organisers cited "exceptional circumstances" in the region. The new dates will be presented to FIFA for approval, France 24 reported, citing AFP. Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Khobar are due to host the month-long tournament. BBC Hindi also reported the postponement, citing the attacks on the country and the deteriorating situation in the region.
Why it is being moved
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have targeted Saudi infrastructure, including airports, since hostilities resumed, Sportstar reported, citing AFP and Reuters. The Houthis are fighting a Saudi-led coalition that supports Yemen's internationally recognised government; the civil war flared again in July after a years-long truce.
Other events already affected
- The 2027 Dakar Rally was moved out of Saudi Arabia last month and will be held in Portugal and Morocco.
- The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis event, due to feature Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, was put back from October to December.
- The WTA Finals, scheduled for Riyadh, will now be held at Indian Wells in the United States.
- Asian Champions League matches, including those of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, have been affected, and some Saudi Pro League rounds could be postponed.
- Golf's Asian Tour postponed the Saudi International indefinitely, cycling's Urban World Championships was cancelled, and FIFA indefinitely postponed its FIFAe Finals 2026 in Jeddah.
What next
The new dates still need FIFA's approval. If they are accepted, the tournament will start almost a year later than planned and finish in January 2028.