Asian Cup postponed due to Middle East conflict

A little over two months before it was set to kick off, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed its flagship international football tournament in the wake of recent deadly attacks on host country, Saudi Arabia .

The AFC cited "substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions" caused by conflicts in the region .

Instead of January 7, 2027, the tournament will now kick off on December 23 and end on January 21, 2028. The postponement follows delays and cancellations of a number of sporting events in the region, including a Formula One race , the men's and women's tennis finals, the 2027 Dakar Rally and disruption to Asia's marquee continental club football tournament, the AFC Champions League Elite.

Saudi Arabia hosted, and won, the Gulf Cup last month , but there had already been much talk about whether the much larger Asian Cup could go ahead.

It was scheduled to feature 24 teams playing matches in eight venues across Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar. However, the AFC said that "circumstances arising from developments in the region , including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions," made the tournament impossible.

"Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organization and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders."

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