AFC postpones 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to late 2027 amid Middle East conflict

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on 3 November 2026 that the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, due to be held in Saudi Arabia, has been postponed because of the conflict in the Middle East and will be pushed back 11 months.

The decision followed a month of speculation after an attack on Riyadh’s international airport, which had put Saudi Arabia’s suitability to host the tournament under scrutiny. Other nations scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia during the November international window were forced to relocate their friendlies amid the security concerns.

The tournament, originally slated to start on 7 January 2027, is now proposed to kick off on 23 December 2027 with a 21 January 2028 final. Organisers described the change as an 11-month postponement that shifts the competition into the 2027 Christmas period.

“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.

“Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.”

There was little appetite for another host nation to step in at such short notice, and organisers said going ahead as planned in the current climate was fraught with risks. The proposed new dates also fall in one of the busiest periods in European club football.

In Australia, the delay could affect coach Tony Popovic, who signed a short-term extension on the eve of the World Cup; his contract was due to expire after the previously scheduled January tournament. Australia had been drawn to face Tajikistan, Singapore and Iraq in that window; Iraq are coached by ex-Socceroos boss Graham Arnold, who was handed a job reprieve by the Iraqi FA last month after a form slump following the country’s first World Cup qualification in 40 years.

The proposed new dates must be approved by Fifa.