Asian Cup 2027 postponed following attacks in Saudi Arabia
The tournament has been rescheduled to December 2027 due to regional developments and logistical complexities.
The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed following a series of deadly attacks in the host country, according to BBC News. The 24-team tournament was originally scheduled for 7 January to 5 February but will now run from 23 December, 2027, to 21 January, 2028.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated the decision was made in light of exceptional circumstances arising from regional developments, including travel disruptions and logistical complexities. This follows a missile attack in October by Yemen's Houthi movement on Riyadh's airport, which killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, BBC News reported.
The postponement follows other sporting disruptions in the region. Sportstar reported that the 2027 Dakar Rally was moved to Portugal and Morocco last month, while the WTA Finals will now be held in Indian Wells, United States, instead of Riyadh.
Other affected events include the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, which was moved from October to December, and the Asian Tour's season-ending golf tournament, which has been postponed indefinitely. Additionally, the Urban World Championships in cycling was cancelled and the FIFAe Finals 2026 video game competition in Jeddah has been indefinitely postponed.
The new tournament dates will be presented to Fifa for approval, according to the AFC.
