The AFC has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by nearly a year, citing exceptional regional circumstances, logistical challenges and travel disruptions.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia will be postponed until December 2027.
“The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions,” the AFC said in a statement.
Originally scheduled to run from 7 January to 5 February 2027, the tournament will now take place from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028.
The AFC said the postponement was necessary to safeguard the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
The decision follows extensive discussions between the AFC, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The revised dates will now be submitted to FIFA for approval.
“The AFC will continue to work closely with the LOC, Participating Member Associations and its valued sponsors and broadcast and commercial partners and all stakeholders to stage a showpiece befitting the stature and operational excellence synonymous with Asia’s most prestigious men’s national team competition, while minimising the impact of the postponement,” the statement added.
Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi air travel
The postponement comes amid escalating regional tensions and a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
In a security alert issued on 2 November, the U.S. mission in Saudi Arabia warned that Houthi attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure had caused casualties and severe travel disruptions, with the potential for further escalation.
The alert reiterated that non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families had been ordered to leave the Saudi Arabia, effective 23 October, citing safety risks.
The alert also warned of potential airport attacks, airspace closures and flight cancellations. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport partially reopened on 23 October, while airports in Jeddah and Dammam remain operational but continue to experience delays and cancellations.
According to Reuters, around 86% of scheduled flights at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport – 4,071 out of 4,736 – were cancelled between 8 and 25 October, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
On 10 October, a Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, prompting the suspension of airport operations.
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