AFC Asian Cup 2027: Saudi organisers say preparations are on schedule
Saudi Arabia’s local organising committee has told the Asian Football Confederation that preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 are on schedule, with the tournament due to run from 7 January to 5 February 2027.
The update, reported on 16 October 2026, came as the AFC said it was monitoring the situation following security concerns in the region. Saudi organisers said the tournament remained on track despite reported attacks in the region.
Tournament at a glance
- Dates: 7 January – 5 February 2027
- Host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar (eight stadiums)
- Teams: 24 in six groups of four; top two plus the four best third-placed teams reach the round of 16
- Headline groups: hosts Saudi Arabia face Kuwait, Oman and Palestine; Japan meet holders Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia; South Korea play the UAE, Vietnam and Yemen
More: AFC Asian Cup 2027 guide with all six groups
Sources: Inside World Football, 16 Oct 2026; The National, 16 Oct 2026; Khaleej Times.
