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AFC Postpones 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to December 2027 Amid Regional Conflict

The Asian Football Confederation moved the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from January to December 2027, citing travel disruptions and logistical problems linked to attacks in the host country.

By admin Nov. 3, 2026 · 12:41 PM ET 1 min read

An empty soccer stadium with floodlights on at dusk, with a city skyline in the background.

The Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday that the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed by almost a year, moving the tournament from January 7 to February 5, 2027, to December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, pending approval from FIFA.

A soccer ball on green grass in a stadium, with empty stands blurred behind it.

The AFC said the postponement was made in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The decision followed consultations with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the local organizing committee, according to USA TODAY.

The move came after an attack in October on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, according to Reuters. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, Reuters reported. USA TODAY reported that the Houthis have launched multiple drone and missile strikes on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure.

Airplanes parked at gates outside a modern airport terminal under a hazy sky.

About 86 percent of scheduled flights at King Khalid International Airport were cancelled between October 8 and October 25, according to Reuters figures cited by USA TODAY.

Other events moved, and a second straight delay

Travel problems have already affected other events set for Saudi Arabia. USA TODAY reported that the Six Kings Slam tennis event and the Saudi International golf tournament were moved or postponed recently.

Rows of empty blue seats in a large soccer stadium beside a green pitch.

This is the second straight Asian Cup to be postponed. The 2023 edition was originally set for China, but it was moved to Qatar and held in 2024 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Defending champion Qatar kept its title after defeating Jordan 3-1 in the final, USA TODAY reported.

Reporting based on coverage by Reuters and USA TODAY.

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