Riyadh, January 23, 2025 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the AFC Asian Cup 2027 local organizing committee have officially confirmed the dates for the highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. Set to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027, the 19th edition of Asia's premier football tournament will bring together the continent’s best teams in a month-long celebration of sport and culture.
The announcement was made in a press release today, outlining the host cities, stadiums, and plans for the tournament. As the host nation, Saudi Arabia will welcome football fans from across the globe, with matches to be played in eight world-class stadiums spread across three major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. Each of these cities will be home to one of the tournament’s main venues, ensuring a spectacular experience for fans and participants alike.
In Riyadh, the tournament’s flagship stadium will be King Fahd Sports City Stadium, which is currently undergoing a significant upgrade to meet the highest international standards. This iconic venue will play a central role in the tournament’s opening matches and throughout the competition. Additionally, Riyadh will feature other key stadiums such as King Saud University Stadium, Al Shabab Stadium, and Kingdom Arena, along with the Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium, which will undergo major renovations to expand its seating capacity to 21,000 and bring all facilities up to AFC standards.
Jeddah will be another central hub for the tournament, with King Abdullah Sports City Stadium—often referred to as “The Shining Jewel”—set to host a series of high-profile matches. This stadium gained international attention after hosting the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup Final. In addition to King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah will also feature the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium, another prominent venue that hosted several key matches during the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Eastern Region’s Al Khobar will be represented by a newly constructed state-of-the-art stadium, which will be the focal point for football fans in this part of the Kingdom. The inclusion of this venue highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing modern infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale international sports events.
The tournament will feature a total of 18 nations, including the host nation Saudi Arabia and 17 qualified teams from across Asia. These teams include powerhouse football nations such as Australia, Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, and Qatar, along with a diverse mix of teams from the region, including Uzbekistan, Iraq, UAE, Palestine, and Bahrain. Six additional spots will be decided through the final round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, adding to the excitement as teams vie for their chance to compete on the continental stage.
Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement, calling the confirmation of the tournament timeline a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward hosting the prestigious Asian Cup. He also highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to elevate its football profile, stating, “The local organizing committee is committed to delivering an exceptional edition of the Asian Cup that meets the high expectations of football fans across the continent.”
Al Misehal credited the success of the bid to the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s leadership, specifically Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, whose guidance has positioned Saudi Arabia as a leader in regional football. The president also expressed his gratitude to AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and the entire AFC team for their continuous support in bringing the tournament to Saudi Arabia.
This announcement further solidifies Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a key player in the global sports arena. The Kingdom’s successful hosting of recent major international events, including the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, the Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite final stages, demonstrates its commitment to hosting world-class sports events. This effort is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and raise its global profile through tourism and sports development.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027, the Kingdom’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, passionate football culture, and strategic vision are set to deliver an unforgettable experience for teams, fans, and all involved. Football enthusiasts across the continent eagerly await what promises to be one of the most exciting editions of Asia’s premier football tournament to date.
The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 is shaping up to be a landmark event, with the Kingdom’s modern infrastructure and sporting vision providing the perfect backdrop for an action-packed month of football. Fans from across the world will be treated to a dynamic and competitive tournament that will showcase the very best of Asian football while highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rising prominence on the international stage.