Saudi Arabia Organisers Say Preparations AFC Asian Cup 2027 Remain on Schedule

LOC confirms tournament still set for 7 January to 5 February as AFC keeps 2028 option open

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 has confirmed that preparations remain on schedule for the tournament, which is due to run from 7 January to 5 February 2027.

In a statement, the LOC said it is working in close coordination with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and other stakeholders. It said all organisational and operational areas are progressing according to the approved schedule, including work on venues, facilities and supporting services.

The committee said its focus is on delivering a high-quality experience for teams, fans and media from across Asia. It added that it is committed to keeping preparations on track and making sure the necessary resources are in place, in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions and standards as a host.

The LOC also said it will keep monitoring developments relevant to the tournament and ensure the right conditions are in place for it to be delivered successfully.

The statement follows comments from AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who said in Zurich that the AFC could wait until the end of November before deciding whether to move the tournament to 2028. He was speaking after attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh prompted several sporting events in the country to be rescheduled. Salman said everything was going according to plan for now.

The 19th edition of the Asian Cup will be the first held in Saudi Arabia. Twenty-four teams will compete across Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, with the hosts opening against Palestine at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh on 7 January. At the 100-day mark on 29 September, the LOC said preparations had moved from the planning phase to full operational status.

Credit Photo : AFC