The 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been rescheduled and will now take place from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028.
The tournament was originally due to be held between 7 January and 5 February 2027. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the change on Tuesday after discussions with the local organising committee for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
“Following extensive discussions and close consultations with the local organising committee for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the AFC has confirmed that the next edition of the continent’s premier national team competition will now be held from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028,” the AFC said in a statement on its official website.
The AFC Asian Cup Organising Committee approved the revised schedule “in light of the prevailing circumstances and developments in the region”, which could affect travel arrangements and logistics.
The new dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval.
The AFC said the decision had been made because “exceptional circumstances” meant the competition could not be staged according to its original timetable.
“Consequently, the postponement became necessary to serve the interests of all participating teams, officials, fans and other stakeholders,” it added.
Saudi Arabia will host the finals, with the AFC praising the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the local organising committee for their commitment to staging a “world-class tournament for the players and fans of the continent”.
The continental governing body said it would continue working closely with the local organising committee, the participating member associations, its sponsors, broadcast partners, commercial partners and all other stakeholders.
That work will focus on delivering an exceptional tournament that reflects the status of Asia’s oldest men’s national team competition and maintains high operational standards, while limiting the impact of the postponement as far as possible.
The AFC said further updates would be released through its official channels.