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Asia

AFC Postpones 2027 Asian Cup Due to Security Concerns

The 2027 Asian Cup, originally set for Saudi Arabia, has been rescheduled due to regional security issues.

New York Editorial News Desk November 3, 2026 1 min read

The Brief

  • The tournament, originally scheduled for January 2027, will now run from December 2027 to January 2028.
  • AFC cited 'exceptional circumstances' including security threats and logistical challenges.
  • Other sporting events in Saudi Arabia have also been affected by the security situation.

The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup, originally planned for Saudi Arabia in early 2027, due to ongoing security concerns in the region.

The tournament, which was set to feature 24 teams, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028. The new dates were approved by the Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup.

In a press release, the AFC stated that the decision was made 'in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions.'

The postponement follows a recent escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels in Yemen, with multiple drone and missile attacks reported against the kingdom.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was hit by at least 20 strikes over 11 days, resulting in 17 deaths and over 300 injuries. The security situation has also impacted other international sporting events in Saudi Arabia.

Other events, including the Saudi International golf tournament and the Urban World Championships, have been postponed or cancelled. The World Rally Championship's final round was moved to Italy, and a tennis exhibition was rescheduled from October to December.

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