RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, with organisers maintaining the tournament’s original schedule despite growing security concerns following recent attacks in the kingdom.
The local organising committee (LOC) said on Friday that preparations were progressing according to plan, even as regional tensions cast uncertainty over the future of several major sporting events scheduled in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi organisers say Asian Cup preparations remain on track for early 2027 https://t.co/goJZwDrfqI
— ST Sports Desk (@STsportsdesk) October 16, 2026
The tournament is scheduled to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027. However, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said earlier this week that a postponement until 2028 remained possible if circumstances required it.
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Organisers maintain original tournament schedule
“Preparations across all organisational and operational areas are progressing according to the approved schedule, including work on venues, facilities and supporting services,” the LOC said in a statement.
The committee added that it would continue monitoring developments related to the tournament and ensure that the necessary conditions were in place for its successful delivery.
🚨 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Saudi organisers confirm the 2027 AFC Asian Cup remains on schedule despite recent attacks. 🇸🇦 https://t.co/ddLnzrvHl3
— Timnas Xtra (@TimnasXtra) October 16, 2026
The latest security concerns followed an attack on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday that reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, described in the report as the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
Attacks disrupt Saudi Arabia’s sporting calendar
The security situation has already affected other sporting events in the kingdom.
The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament has been moved from October to December, while FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation announced on Thursday that the FIFAe Finals 2026 had been postponed until an unspecified future date.
SAUDI ARABIA 2027 ASIAN CUP IS FULL STEAM AHEAD… 🏆🇸🇦
The Local Organising Committee confirmed preparations are on schedule across organisation and operations, including stadiums, facilities and support services, for the January 7 to February 5 tournament in coordination with the AFC. Via: @saudi2027— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) October 15, 2026
Although the Asian Cup organisers have reaffirmed their commitment to the existing timetable, the tournament’s final arrangements will remain subject to developments and the conditions required to stage the competition safely.
