AFC announces 2027 Asian Cup schedule and tournament format changes

Asian Cup 2027 AFC Saudi Arabia football tournament schedule even-year cycle

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the schedule and venues for the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027. The tournament will feature 24 teams and 51 matches across eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. The opening match is set for January 7 in Riyadh between Saudi Arabia and Palestine, with the final also scheduled for the King Fahd Sports City Stadium.

In a significant regulatory shift, the AFC has unanimously approved a new system where the Asian Cup will be held in even-numbered years starting from the 2032 edition. This change aims to align the tournament with the updated international match calendar and the federation's administrative cycles.

Group F fixtures for Indonesia include matches against Japan, Qatar, and Thailand. While the schedule is set, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa noted that postponing the tournament to 2028 remains a possibility if regional security concerns necessitate such a move.

Entities

Asian Football Confederation · Indonesia · Jay Idzes · King Fahd Sports City Stadium · Saudi Arabia · Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa · Tokyo

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The 2027 tournament will take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027. www.ajnet.me · www.aljazeera.net
[● 2 SOURCES] AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa stated that a postponement to 2028 is a possibility. www.ajnet.me · www.aljazeera.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] The decision to move the tournament cycle was approved unanimously in Tokyo on October 23, 2026. www.akhbrna.ae
[● 2 SOURCES] The opening match of the 2027 tournament is Saudi Arabia vs. Palestine in Riyadh on January 7. www.ajnet.me · www.aljazeera.net
[● 2 SOURCES] The 2027 tournament will feature 24 teams and 51 matches. www.ajnet.me · www.aljazeera.net
[● 2 SOURCES] Matches will be held in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. www.ajnet.me · www.aljazeera.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] The AFC will host the Asian Cup in even-numbered years starting from the 2032 edition. www.akhbrna.ae
[● 2 SOURCES] Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 Asian Cup. www.ajnet.me · www.aljazeera.net