AFC Asian Cup 2027: Dates, Groups, Stadiums & Fan Guide

The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 now runs from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028 — the AFC announced the rescheduling on 3 November 2026, moving the tournament almost a year from its original 7 January–5 February 2027 dates, and the new dates still need FIFA approval. It is the 19th edition of Asia's biggest men's football tournament, and the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted it. Twenty-four teams play 51 matches across eight stadiums in three cities: five venues in Riyadh, two in Jeddah and one in Al Khobar. Under the original schedule, hosts Saudi Arabia were to open the tournament against Palestine on 7 January at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, with the final on 5 February at the same stadium — a revised fixture list has not yet been published. This guide has the new dates, all six groups, every stadium, and practical travel advice for fans.

Dates and format

The tournament lasts 30 days, from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028. Under the original schedule, the group stage ran from 7 to 20 January 2027, with 24 teams in six groups of four; the top two teams in each group advanced, plus the four best third-placed teams, giving a 16-team knockout stage: the Round of 16 on 21–25 January, quarter-finals on 28–29 January, semi-finals on 1–2 February, and the final on 5 February. Those fixture dates belonged to the original plan — the AFC has not yet published a revised fixture list for the new window, so the knockout dates above are the original ones, not the confirmed new ones. All kick-off times in the AFC's official schedule are shown in Saudi Arabia local time (GMT+3).

The draw was held on 9 May 2026 at Salwa Palace in Diriyah, near Riyadh. Saudi Arabia have won the Asian Cup three times before — but never on home soil. This is the kingdom's first time staging the tournament, and it is also a rehearsal of sorts: Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and several of the Asian Cup stadiums are part of that longer plan. Three venues — King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Aramco Stadium and Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium — carry 2026 completion targets against the original January 2027 kick-off, so the AFC lists them as scheduled rather than complete.

The six groups

Group F is the group of death on paper: Japan, the most successful team in Asian Cup history, against Qatar, the two-time defending champions. Group A gives the hosts a kind draw — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Palestine — and the opener was scheduled to be Saudi Arabia against Palestine. Group D has a story of its own: Australia, the 2015 champions, against Iraq, the 2007 champions, plus Tajikistan and Singapore. South Korea, four-time finalists who have not won the title since 1960, head Group E with the UAE, Vietnam and Yemen.

The eight stadiums

Riyadh anchors the tournament with five venues, Jeddah hosts two and Al Khobar one. King Fahd Sports City Stadium — nicknamed "The Tent" for its distinctive roof, and "the Pearl of Stadiums" — is the flagship: under the original schedule it was to host the opening match, the final, Saudi Arabia's group games and fixtures through to the quarter-finals. Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, at 60,000, is the second-largest ground. Capacities are listed figures from the AFC schedule; where no capacity is shown above, the AFC has not published a rounded figure we can verify, so we have left it blank rather than guessing.

Host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar

Riyadh is the capital and the tournament's centre of gravity: five stadiums and the most fixtures. It is a modern desert capital with a metro system, and the stadiums are spread across the city — allow generous travel time on matchdays. Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, is Saudi Arabia's most relaxed big city and the gateway for fans arriving by air from South and Southeast Asia; its two stadiums host group games and knockout ties. Al Khobar, in the Eastern Province on the Gulf coast, hosts one stadium — the new Aramco Stadium — and is the smallest of the three host cities, with a quieter, coastal feel.

The three cities are spread across the country: Jeddah sits on the west coast, Riyadh in the centre, and Al Khobar on the east coast near Bahrain. Fans following a team through the tournament should expect domestic flights between host cities rather than day trips by road — the Jeddah to Al Khobar journey alone spans the country coast to coast. Plan your base city around your team's group first, then add knockout-stage travel once the groups are decided.

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Driving between venues inside one city is the practical option for many fans: compare rental cars in Saudi Arabia on Discover Cars before you travel, and check whether your hire includes the cross-city mileage you need. Public transport and ride-hailing cover the main stadium routes in Riyadh and Jeddah on matchdays.

Tickets, visas and practical tips

Tickets are sold through the AFC's official channels — check the-afc.com for the latest ticketing information and buy only from official sources. No ticket prices are listed on this page because they are set by the AFC and can change between sales phases. Most visiting fans will need a visa: Saudi Arabia's tourist eVisa covers citizens of many countries, and the tournament is expected to have dedicated fan-visa arrangements — check the Saudi visa portal and the AFC's fan information before booking flights, and confirm the rules for your nationality rather than assuming.

December and January are Saudi Arabia's cool season, with mild days and cool evenings — the most comfortable time of year to watch football outdoors. Evenings in Riyadh can feel chilly in an open stadium, so bring a layer for night matches. Kick-off times are in local time (GMT+3), three hours ahead of London and eight hours ahead of New York. Prayer facilities are available at all major stadiums, and halal food is the standard everywhere in the country — one less thing for Muslim fans to plan around.

Title contenders

Japan start as favourites on pedigree — the most successful team in the tournament's history — but they share a group with Qatar, who have won the last two editions and know how to win knockout football. South Korea, with the strongest squad on paper, are chasing a first title since 1960. Hosts Saudi Arabia have the crowd, three previous titles and home advantage, but have not lifted the trophy since 1996. Australia and Iran are the other serious contenders, and the 24-team format means a surprise semi-finalist is almost guaranteed — the four best third-placed teams in the groups make the last 16, so a slow start does not end a campaign. The final was scheduled for 5 February 2027 at King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh; the revised date will be confirmed with the new fixture list.

When is the AFC Asian Cup 2027?

The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 now runs from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028 — the AFC rescheduled it on 3 November 2026 from the original 7 January–5 February 2027 dates, and the new dates still need FIFA approval. It is the 19th edition of the tournament and the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted it.

Where is the AFC Asian Cup 2027 played?

Across eight stadiums in three Saudi cities: five in Riyadh, two in Jeddah and one in Al Khobar. Under the original schedule the opening match and the final were both at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh; the revised fixture list has not yet been published.

How many teams play in the AFC Asian Cup 2027?

Twenty-four teams, drawn into six groups of four. The top two in each group advance, plus the four best third-placed teams, making a 16-team knockout stage. Fifty-one matches are played in total.

Who plays the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027?

Under the original schedule, hosts Saudi Arabia were to play Palestine in the opening match on 7 January 2027 at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh. The tournament has since been rescheduled to 23 December 2027–21 January 2028, and the AFC has not yet published a revised fixture list, so the new opener is unconfirmed.

Who are the defending champions of the AFC Asian Cup?

Qatar, who won the last two editions and are in Group F with Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. Japan are the most successful team in the tournament's history.

When is the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final?

Under the original schedule the final was on Friday 5 February 2027 at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh. The tournament has since been rescheduled to 23 December 2027–21 January 2028 (subject to FIFA approval), and the revised final date will be confirmed with the new fixture list.

How do I get tickets for the AFC Asian Cup 2027?

Tickets are sold through the AFC's official channels — check the-afc.com for the latest ticketing information. Buy only from official sources; no ticket prices are listed on this page because they are set by the AFC and can change.

What is the weather like in Saudi Arabia in January?

December and January are Saudi Arabia's cool season, with mild days and cool evenings — the most comfortable time of year to watch football outdoors. Evenings in Riyadh can feel chilly in an open stadium, so bring a layer for night matches.