National team
Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia postponed by 11 months
The AFC has confirmed a proposed start on December 23, 2027, with the final on January 21, 2028, subject to Fifa approval.
FootVal Newsroom
The Asian Football Confederation has confirmed that the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia is postponed by 11 months. The tournament was scheduled to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
The AFC cited regional security concerns, while BBC Sport reports the decision follows a series of deadly attacks in the host country. The Guardian reports that the postponement came after about a month of speculation that followed an attack on Riyadh's international airport.
According to the Guardian, the proposed new dates are a start on December 23, 2027 and a final on January 21, 2028. Fifa must still approve them.
Among the players the Sun expected to feature is Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who has made eight appearances in the 2026/27 season so far, according to FootVal data.
Sources
This article is based on reports by:
- BBC Sport — Asian Cup postponed in wake of attacks on Saudi Arabia
- The Guardian — AFC postpones Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia to late 2027 due to conflict in Middle East
- ESPN — Asian Football Confederation postpones 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia
- Daily Mail — Asia Cup is POSTPONED just two months before its start due to safety concerns in Saudi Arabia - in huge boost to Premier League clubs
- Mirror — Major tournament postponed for 11 months as extraordinary decision confirmed in statement
- The Sun — Major football tournament postponed for 11 MONTHS due to deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia
Written by the FootVal newsroom from the reports below, with figures from FootVal’s own database. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. · How we report