The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed by 11 months, with the final now scheduled for January 2027 instead of the original dates, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The organisers have confirmed a new start date of December 23, 2026, with the tournament culminating on January 21, 2027. The proposed new dates must still be approved by FIFA.
Reasons for the delay
Having Saudi Arabia as hosts had become increasingly unviable in light of the Riyadh airport attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Nations scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia during the November international window had been forced to relocate their friendlies as a result.
A statement from the organisers read: "The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval."
"Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organisation and delivery of the Competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders."
Impact on players and clubs
A number of Premier League players were expected to be in the tournament, meaning they would have missed a large chunk of the current campaign. Now, players such as Aston Villa keeper Zion Suzuki, Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, and Leeds United's Ao Tanaka will remain with their clubs.
Qatar are the defending Asian Cup champions, having won the last two editions, the most recent of which came on home soil in 2023. Saudi Arabia's last Asian Cup success came in 1996, when they won the tournament on penalties.
Wider sporting impact
The ongoing conflict has continued to impact a number of sports, not just football. The Formula 1 season usually ends with a race around Abu Dhabi, but the sport's bosses have had to consider moving their finale elsewhere, with Imola in Europe lined up as an alternative.
