The Asian Football Confederation postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia
The Asian Football Confederation postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by nearly a year, rescheduling it for Dec. 23, 2027, through Jan. 21, 2028, pending FIFA approval. The AFC cited regional developments, logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The BBC reported that a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh’s airport in October killed 13 people.
More context
The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by almost a year after deadly attacks on the host country. The tournament had been scheduled for Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2027, and will now run from Dec. 23, 2027, to Jan. 21, 2028, pending FIFA approval, USA Today reported. The AFC said developments in the region had created “substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions,” making postponement necessary for teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders. According to the BBC, the Houthi missile strike on Riyadh’s airport in October left 13 people dead and more than 300 wounded. This is the second consecutive Asian Cup to be rescheduled; the 2023 edition was moved from China to Qatar and held in 2024 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- Facebook — The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed ...
- Killeen Daily Herald — Asian Cup soccer tournament in Saudi Arabia postponed because of conflict in the Middle East | Sports | kdhnews.com
- Around Prague — Saudi Arabia's Asian Cup Pushed Back to December 2027 Amid Attacks
- BBC News — Asian Cup postponed in wake of attacks on hosts Saudi Arabia - BBC Sport
- The New York Times — Asian Cup postponed by almost a year after attacks on hosts Saudi Arabia - The Athletic
- USA Today — 2027 Asian Cup postponed: New dates for Saudi Arabia tournament
- Deutsche Welle — Asian Cup postponed due to Middle East conflict
Verifier’s note
BBC News, KDH News carrying an AP report, Around Prague, The Athletic, USA Today, and DW all report that the 2027 Asian Cup was postponed after deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia. BBC Sport’s Facebook post also states the claim, while Around Prague cites BBC reporting for details; the reports agree that the tournament was moved to late 2027 and early 2028.