Asian Cup 2027 postponed to Dec 2027 amid Houthi attacks
The Asian Football Confederation has moved the 2027 Asian Cup to run from 23 Dec 2027 to 21 Jan 2028. The tournament was originally slated to start on 7 Jan 2027 and feature 30 of its 51 matches in Riyadh. The shift follows a series of Houthi missile and drone strikes on Riyadh’s international airport in October that killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. The AFC said the security risks and travel disruptions caused by the attacks forced the postponement and will submit the new schedule to FIFA for approval.
Key facts
- Yemen's Iran‑aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the airport strike.
- The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition in Riyadh was cancelled due to the attacks.
- The tournament will be hosted in Jeddah, Riyadh and Al Khobar.
- The AFC cited logistical complexities and travel disruptions as reasons for the postponement.
- South Korea’s coach Robert Moreno’s tenure for the Asian Cup may depend on upcoming friendlies.
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Why it matters
The delay reshapes the regional football calendar and highlights how regional conflict can disrupt major sporting events.
What changed
First published from CNA, ABC News (Australia), The National, Al Jazeera English and BBC News