Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia moves to December 2027
By Sam Whitlock · Edited
King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, empty under floodlights before a Saudi Pro League match
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The Asian Cup 2027 now runs from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, the AFC said on Tuesday.
The 24-team tournament was due to be played from 7 January to 5 February 2027. In its statement, the Asian Football Confederation cited "exceptional circumstances" in the region, logistical complexities and travel disruption. The new dates still need FIFA's approval.
Saudi Arabia has come under attack from the Houthi group in Yemen in recent weeks, AP reported. Until recently, the local organisers had rejected a postponement.
Tickets: keep them or get a refund
Asian Cup 2027 tickets bought on Ahlan, the tournament's ticketing platform, stay valid for the new dates, Ahlan said. If you would rather have your money back, you can ask for a refund until 5 January 2027.
- Open the refund link in Ahlan's email, or go to refund.ahlan.sa if you did not get one.
- Enter the one-time code sent by email, SMS or WhatsApp, then pick the tickets by order number.
- Enter your bank details, check them and submit with the new code sent to you.
- The money goes back the way you paid, or to the bank account you give if that is not possible.
A full stadium at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, an Asian Cup 2027 host city, during an AFC Champions League Elite match
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Ahlan's notice covers only tickets bought on Ahlan. If you bought elsewhere, check the seller's own terms first.
Flights, hotels and venues
The AFC statement does not mention venues. The plan was eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar, according to AP, and no change has been announced.
Changes to flights and rooms depend on your airline's and hotel's terms. Fares with free changes and rooms with free cancellation are the easiest to move. The new dates cover Christmas and New Year, one of the busiest times of the year to travel.
Clubs and head coaches
The new window falls in the middle of the 2027-28 club season.
Several head coaches have contracts built around the January tournament, AP reported. They include Tony Popovic with Australia and Hajime Moriyasu with Japan.
Asian Cup 2027: what is confirmed and what is not
- Confirmed: the new dates, 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028.
- Confirmed: tickets bought on Ahlan stay valid, and refunds close on 5 January 2027.
- Not confirmed: FIFA's approval, a new match schedule with kick-off times, and the venue for each match.
Skyscrapers on the Riyadh skyline under a cloudy sky, with low-rise buildings in the foreground
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The AFC said it will present the new dates to FIFA. It has not said when FIFA will decide.
What it means for World Cup 2030
The Asian Cup is not part of World Cup qualifying. The new final, on 21 January 2028, comes about two and a half years before World Cup 2030 is due to start, on 8 June 2030 under FIFA's proposed schedule. Saudi Arabia is also FIFA's host for the 2034 World Cup.
The lesson for 2030 tickets is the same: buy only from the official platform, so a change of dates comes with a clear refund route. Our World Cup 2030 tickets guide explains how FIFA's sales work.