The next AFC Asian Cup, schedule for 2027, will be hosted by Saudi Arabia for the first time. This prestigious international football tournament is set to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027, across three major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
Host Cities and Stadiums
Saudi Arabia has prepared an impressive lineup of stadiums to host the tournament. In Riyadh, five stadiums have been confirmed:
- King Fahd Sports City Stadium
- King Saud University Stadium
- Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium
- Kingdom Arena
- Al Shabab Stadium
In Jeddah, two stadiums will be used:
- King Abdullah Sports City
- Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium
Additionally, a new state-of-the-art stadium is being built in Al Khobar to complete the infrastructure for the tournament.
Qualification Process
The qualification process for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 involves several rounds. The final round of qualifiers will feature six groups of four teams each, with the winners of each group securing a spot in the main tournament. These qualifiers are set to begin in March 2025 and will conclude by March 2026.
Tournament Format
The main tournament will feature 24 teams, with 18 spots already secured. The remaining six spots will be determined through the qualifiers. The tournament format includes a group stage followed by a knockout stage, culminating in the final on February 5, 2027.
Conclusion
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 promises to be a spectacular event, marking Saudi Arabia’s debut as a host. With its world-class infrastructure and rich football history, the Kingdom is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans across Asia and beyond.
