AFC moves 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to December
The continental body cited regional conflict and Houthi attacks on the host nation as it shifted the tournament from January.
Key facts
Story- The AFC has moved the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from January to December
- The Asian football body cited "exceptional circumstances" in the region
- Sources link the change to ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has moved the 2027 Asian Cup, which Saudi Arabia is due to host, from January to December. The continental governing body announced the change on Tuesday, 3 November.
The AFC said the decision was taken because of "exceptional circumstances" in the region. The AFC's statement did not name the attacks directly, and the body has not said how long the shift will last beyond the new December start.
Why the date changed
The tournament was originally set to start in January 2027. The new start date falls in December of the same year. Saudi Arabia has been a host of major Asian football events in recent years, and the tournament would have been its first Asian Cup on this scale. The AFC has not said whether the move affects any other match schedules or venues.
The conflict in West Asia has drawn in several countries in the region. Saudi Arabia has faced attacks from Yemen's Houthi movement for years, and the group's strikes have prompted repeated security concerns for events in the kingdom.
What happens next
The AFC has not yet released a full revised calendar for the tournament, including group-stage dates and the final. Fans who had planned to travel in January will need to check new dates before booking flights or accommodation. Teams and broadcasters will also need to adjust their plans. It is not yet known whether the change will affect qualifying matches or the participation of any team.
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