Preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup in host country Saudi Arabia are moving forward on schedule despite debate over the possibility of postponing the tournament.
The local organizing committee announced Friday that work was being carried out in coordination with the Asian Football Confederation and relevant institutions. The committee said it aims to create suitable conditions for the national teams competing in the tournament, fans and media members arriving from different parts of Asia.
Stadiums and support services are being prepared
The preparations include facilities and support services as well as stadiums. The committee said it would continue working in line with approved plans to reflect the objectives and standards set by Saudi Arabia as host.
It was announced that the resources needed to stage the event successfully would be provided and that developments would be monitored.
Matches will be played in three cities
The 19th Asian Cup is planned to be held from January 7 to February 5, 2027. The tournament is expected to feature 24 national teams, with matches scheduled to be played at eight stadiums in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the Asian Cup for the first time in its history. The country has also staged various major sporting events in recent years.
Debate over the tournament’s future intensified following developments linked to the security situation in the region and attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Houthis in Yemen. Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa had said that developments in the region were being monitored and that all options, including the possibility of postponing the event to 2028, were being considered.
Saudi Arabia also recently hosted the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, which featured eight teams. The Saudi Arabia national team won the tournament.
