Asian Cup 2027 moved to a new winter window in Saudi Arabia

The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 will now be played from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) postponed the tournament because of the current circumstances and developments in the region.

The competition had originally been scheduled to take place between 7 January and 5 February 2027.

The AFC announced the revised dates on Tuesday following extensive discussions and close consultation with the Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

“Following extensive discussions and close consultations with the Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the AFC has confirmed that the next edition of the jewel of the continent’s competitions, originally scheduled to be held from 7 January to 5 February 2027, will now take place from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028,” the governing body said in a statement published on its official website.

The AFC Asian Cup Organising Committee approved the rescheduling of the continent’s leading national-team competition after considering the prevailing circumstances and developments in the region, as well as their potential implications for travel arrangements and logistical operations.

The new dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval.

The AFC said the decision had been taken because “unusual circumstances” made it impossible to stage the tournament according to the original timetable.

It added that postponement had become necessary in the interests of all participating national teams, officials, supporters and other stakeholders involved in the event.

The governing body also praised the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the local organising committee for their commitment to delivering a “world-class tournament” for the continent’s players and fans.

“The AFC will continue to work closely with the local organising committee, the participating member associations, our valued sponsors, broadcast partners, commercial partners and all stakeholders to deliver an exceptional tournament befitting the stature of Asia’s longest-standing men’s national-team competition,” the statement said.

It added that the parties would work to maintain the tournament’s operational excellence while minimising the impact of the postponement as much as possible.

The AFC concluded: “Further updates will be announced through the AFC’s official channels.”