AFC Asian Cup 2027 Postponed to December 2027
Asia's top national-team tournament will now start on 23 December 2027, after the AFC cited travel disruptions and logistical problems linked to developments in the region.
On Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed it has postponed the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 by almost a year.
The tournament will now run from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028 instead of 7 January to 5 February 2027. The Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup approved the change after close consultation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), and will submit the new dates to FIFA for approval.
The AFC pointed to "exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions". It said the delay was necessary "in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders". The decision follows an escalation in the conflict between a Saudi-led coalition and Yemen's Houthi rebels, with at least 20 strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh over 11 days
Malaysia won't be at the 24-team tournament. In March, the AFC turned Harimau Malaya's 4-0 win over Vietnam and 2-0 win over Nepal into 3-0 defeats for fielding ineligible players, and that ruling sent Vietnam through from Group F
Singapore, who qualified for the first time in their history, now face a longer wait for their Group D games against Australia, Iraq and Tajikistan
The AFC praised SAFF and the LOC for their commitment and said it will keep working with the national associations taking part, sponsors, broadcasters and commercial partners to keep the impact of the delay to a minimum.
Credit Photo : AFC
