AFC moves 2027 Asian Cup to Dec. 23 amid Middle East conflict
The tournament in Arab Saudi now ends on Jan. 21, 2028, and AFC is still awaiting FIFA approval for the revised schedule.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has moved the 2027 Asian Cup from Jan. 7-Feb. 5, 2027, to Dec. 23, 2027-Jan. 21, 2028. The tournament will still be held in Arab Saudi. AFC took the step after coordinating with the Local Organizing Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation amid escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran and the United States-Israel. AFC said the extraordinary situation created logistical problems and travel disruptions that made the original schedule difficult to keep. The change has now been submitted to FIFA for approval. Indonesia is in Group F with Jepang, Qatar and Thailand, and is scheduled to open against Jepang.