2027 Asian Cup pushed to Dec. 23 after attacks in Saudi Arabia
What's next: FIFA still must approve the new window, which now runs through Jan. 21, 2028 and overlaps Europe’s busy club season.
The Asian Football Confederation moved the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from its original Jan. 7-Feb. 5 slot to Dec. 23, 2027-Jan. 21, 2028, citing security, travel and logistics problems after recent attacks on the kingdom. The shift follows a missile strike on Riyadh’s international airport last month that killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with Yemen’s Houthi movement claiming responsibility. The AFC said the revised dates will be sent to FIFA for approval. The 24-team tournament was meant to serve as an early test event before Saudi Arabia hosts the 2034 World Cup. Other sports events in the kingdom have also been postponed or canceled amid the regional conflict.