Saudi Arabia’s first AFC Asian Cup reaches 100-day milestone

Saudi Arabia says preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup have entered the full operational phase, with 100 days remaining before the tournament begins on 7 January 2027.

The competition will run until 5 February 2027 and will be the first edition of the AFC Asian Cup to be staged in Saudi Arabia. The local organising committee said preparations had moved beyond planning as the country works towards hosting the largest edition of the tournament to date.

AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa praised the work completed so far.

“As we approach the largest edition in the history of the AFC Asian Cup, we extend our thanks to the leadership of the Kingdom, its government, the local organising committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for their efforts in hosting the tournament,” he said in an official statement.

“With 100 days remaining until the biggest football celebration in the continent, this milestone confirms that the Kingdom is progressing according to plan to deliver an unprecedented edition to the highest standards.

“From the quality of the stadiums and facilities to providing an outstanding experience for fans, we are confident that all preparations will be completed to the highest standard by January, leaving the Kingdom fully ready to welcome this Asian football celebration.”

The tournament’s local organising committee chief executive Mai Al-Halabi said work was progressing as planned across the eight stadiums that will host the 24 participating teams.

“With the countdown to the start of the competition under way, all preparations are coming together,” she said. “More than 50 organisations are working as one team to deliver an exceptional experience for fans, from the moment they arrive until they leave the Kingdom, reflecting the essence of Saudi hospitality.”

She added that the scale of preparations reflected Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for the event and its ability to stage major sporting occasions.

“We can see that on the ground today in Jeddah, where the Kingdom is currently hosting Gulf 27, another addition to its record of staging major football events,” Al-Halabi said.

The organisers are also planning a series of initiatives and events in the coming days and months to build anticipation for the tournament. They include a film showing key stages of preparations during the 100-day countdown, the launch of the official mascot and the unveiling of the tournament’s official sound identity.

The opening match will be played on 7 January 2027, when Saudi Arabia face Palestine at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh. Riyadh is one of three host cities, alongside Jeddah and Al Khobar.

The group stage, involving all 24 teams, will continue until 20 January 2027. The knockout rounds will then lead to the final, which will also be held at King Fahd Sports City Stadium on 5 February 2027.