Asian Cup postponed as AFC proposes December 2027 start

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Asian football’s governing body has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by almost 12 months following attacks on the host country and disruption across the region. The Asian Football Confederation announced the decision on Tuesday, 3 November.

The 24-team tournament had been scheduled for 7 January to 5 February 2027. The AFC has proposed a new window of 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, but those dates must still be submitted to FIFA for approval.

The confederation said the decision followed discussions with the local organising committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. It identified difficulties with logistics and travel as reasons why the competition could no longer go ahead as originally planned.

The postponement follows an attack on Riyadh’s international airport last month. Reuters reported that travel disruption and security concerns had also affected other sporting events in Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi International golf tournament and the Urban World Championships in cycling.

The revised timetable would place the Asian Cup across the Christmas and New Year period, a busy part of the European club season.

For Australia, the change also affects the timetable around Tony Popovic’s contract. AAP reported that the Socceroos coach’s short-term extension was due to run until after the tournament in its original January slot. Australia have been drawn with Tajikistan, Singapore and Iraq, who are coached by former Socceroos manager Graham Arnold.

Singapore will also have longer to wait for its first appearance earned through qualification. The Lions secured their place in November 2025 by beating Hong Kong 2–1 to finish top of their qualifying group.