Asian Football Confederation postpones Saudi Arabia’s 2027 Asian Cup
The tournament is delayed by about 11 months. The proposed replacement dates, 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, still require FIFA approval.
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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on 3 November 2026 that it had postponed the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia by about 11 months, the Guardian said. The postponement is decided, but the proposed replacement dates remain subject to approval by FIFA, football’s global governing body.
The men’s national-team tournament was originally scheduled for 7 January to 5 February 2027.
Travel disruption and a coaching question
The AFC said exceptional regional circumstances had caused major difficulties with tournament operations and disrupted travel. It said postponement was necessary in the interests of participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
For Australia, the delay also raises a question about who will coach the team. The Guardian said Tony Popovic’s contract extension, intended to cover the Asian Cup, ends on a fixed date. His future is uncertain; the account does not describe a decided departure.
The proposed replacement tournament would run from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028. The AFC will submit those dates to FIFA for approval.
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Sources
Show all 4 sourcesShow fewer
- Guardian FootballAFC postpones Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to late 2027 due to conflict in Middle East
- Al JazeeraAFC reschedules Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia amid regional conflict
- Inside World FootballSafety fears force AFC and Saudi organisers to push 2027 Asian Cup from January to December KO
- Guardian SportblogAsian Cup postponement leaves Socceroos, FA and coach Tony Popovic at crossroads | Joey Lynch