The Asian Football Confederation has moved the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from January to December, citing exceptional circumstances in the region, logistical challenges and travel disruption.
The tournament will now run from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028. It was originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027. The AFC said the revised dates would be submitted to FIFA for approval.
The decision followed discussions between Saudi officials and the continental governing body. The AFC said holding the competition as planned had become difficult and that postponing it was necessary for the participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Khobar are due to host the month long tournament. The schedule change comes amid wider disruption to major sporting events in Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks in the region. Local organisers had said last month that the competition remained on schedule.
