# Security concerns impact 2027 AFC Asian Cup hosting > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/houthi-attacks-and-security-instability-in-saudi-arabia > Updated: 2026-10-25T12:26:44.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 7. Security instability in Saudi Arabia, driven by Houthi movement attacks on international infrastructure, continues to disrupt travel and international sporting events. Recent missile attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 12 deaths and over 300 injuries. These attacks have led to the withdrawal of several participants from regional events. The Japan Football Association withdrew its national eSports team from the FIFAe World Cup 2026 in Jeddah, citing player safety. Other disruptions include the indefinite postponement of the Saudi International golf tournament, the rescheduling of the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, and Australia’s withdrawal from the Urban Cycling World Championships in Riyadh. In response to the escalating situation, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is re-evaluating the 2027 Asian Cup, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027. The AFC has now confirmed the schedule and venues, with the tournament set to feature 24 teams and 51 matches across eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. The opening match is scheduled for January 7 in Riyadh between Saudi Arabia and Palestine, with the final to be held at King Fahd Sports City Stadium. Despite the confirmed schedule, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa noted that a one-year postponement to 2028 remains a possibility if regional security concerns necessitate such a move. Separately, the AFC has approved statutory reforms to move the Asian Cup to even-numbered years starting in 2032 to align with the FIFA calendar. ## Claims - The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the travel warning for Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar to level 3. (disputed by 2 sources) - The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia, raising several regions to level 2. (disputed) - The AFC Asian Cup 2027 could be postponed by one year to 2028. (corroborated by 23 sources) - The Local Organising Committee (LOC) stated that preparations for the tournament are proceeding according to the approved schedule. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The 2027 Asian Cup was scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027. (corroborated by 15 sources) - An attack on Riyadh's international airport resulted in at least 12 to 14 deaths and over 300 injuries. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament in Riyadh has been postponed to late December. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for an attack on Riyadh's international airport. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The tournament was to be hosted in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Recent missile and drone attacks in Saudi Arabia have targeted infrastructure, including Riyadh's international airport and Aramco headquarters. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen is escalating. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: AFC announces 2027 Asian Cup schedule and tournament format changes The AFC has confirmed Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 Asian Cup. Additionally, the tournament will move to an even-year cycle starting in 2032 to align with the international football calendar. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afc-announces-asian-cup-schedule-and-shift-to-even-numbered-years ### 2026-10-22: AFC reforms Asian Cup schedule and monitors Saudi Arabia security The AFC will move the Asian Cup to even-numbered years from 2032. Meanwhile, security concerns in Saudi Arabia threaten the 2027 tournament's schedule. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-to-host-2027-asian-cup-as-planned ### 2026-10-18: AFC considers host change for 2027 Asian Cup due to security concerns The AFC may hold an emergency meeting in Tokyo to discuss relocating the 2027 Asian Cup from Saudi Arabia to Japan or South Korea due to regional security concerns. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afc-considers-host-change-for-2027-asian-cup-due-to-security-concerns ### 2026-10-17: Saudi Arabia Asian Cup 2027 faces potential postponement The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia may be postponed to 2028 due to regional security concerns following recent attacks, according to AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-asian-cup-2027-faces-potential-postponement ### 2026-10-15: Saudi Arabia Asian Cup 2027 faces potential postponement amid security concerns The 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia may be postponed to 2028 due to security concerns following a deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh's airport. Local organizers say preparations remain on track. 34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afc-considers-postponing-2027-asian-cup-due-to-saudi-security-concerns ### 2026-10-12: Saudi Arabia security concerns threaten 2027 AFC Asian Cup Houthi missile attacks in Saudi Arabia have raised severe security concerns for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, prompting Japan to withdraw from the FIFAe World Cup 2026 and prompting calls for player safety. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saudi-arabia-security-concerns-impact-travel-and-sports-events ### 2026-10-08: Japan Football Association withdraws eSports team from FIFAe World Cup 2026 The Japan Football Association has withdrawn its national eSports team from the FIFAe World Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia due to escalating security concerns and recent airport attacks. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-football-association-withdraws-from-fifae-world-cup-due-to-security --- Cite as: Security concerns impact 2027 AFC Asian Cup hosting. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/houthi-attacks-and-security-instability-in-saudi-arabia