2027 Asian Cup postponed, moved back 11 months due to 'current exceptional circumstances' in the region

The 2027 men’s Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been postponed by 11 months, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Tuesday.

A statement was released by the AFC confirming that the tournament will still be held in Saudi Arabia, but will be switched from January-February 2027 to December 2027-January 2028.

The decision to move the tournament back by almost a year was made “in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions.”

In recent weeks Saudi Arabia has been targeted by attacks claimed by the Houthis in Yemen, a group backed by Iran.

Qatar are the reigning champions of Asia, with Australia, Japan, South Korea, Iran and hosts Saudi Arabia all expected to challenge for the trophy in 2027.

The tournament is hosted every four years with the hosts for the 2032 edition yet to be announced.

#AsianCup2027 scheduled from January 7 to February 5, 2027 is now postponed.

The new dates will be December 23, 2027 – January 21, 2028.

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— #AsianCup2027 (@afcasiancup) November 3, 2026