2027 AFC Asian Cup

2027 AFC Asian Cup
AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027
كأس آسيا المملكة العربية السعودية 2027
Tournament details
Host countrySaudi Arabia
Dates7 January – 5 February
Teams24 (from 1 confederation)
Venue8 (in 3 host cities)
← 2023
2031 →

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, the quadrennial international men's football championship of Asia organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The tournament will involve 24 national teams after the expansion in 2019. It will be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027.[1][2]

The tournament will return to its usual four-year cycle, after the 2023 edition was postponed to 2024 due to the removal of China as hosts and high summer temperatures in Qatar. This will be the final time the tournament will be held on an odd-numbered year after 20 years from 2007, as the tournament moves to even-numbered year like 2004 due to FIFA concerning a potential revision to the international match calendar.[3][4]

Qatar are the two-time defending champions.

Host selection

Main article: 2027 AFC Asian Cup bids

AFC confirmed the list of member associations expressed their interests to host 2027 Asian Cup before the 30 June 2020 deadline,[5] and they gave their necessary letters of undertaking in November.[6] On 17 October 2022, the AFC Executive Committee announced that the host of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup would be chosen by the AFC Congress at its next meeting on 1 February 2023 in Manama, Bahrain.[7][8] However, India, one of the last two bidders, withdrew on 5 December[9] leaving Saudi Arabia as the only remaining bidder. On 1 February, the AFC confirmed that Saudi Arabia won the bid and will host the tournament for the first time.[1]

Venues

500km
311miles
Location of the host cities of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027. The tournament will be played across eight stadiums in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar.[10][11][12]

City Stadium Capacity Image
Riyadh King Fahd Sports City Stadium 70,200
(after renovation)
King Saud University Stadium 26,004
Kingdom Arena 30,000
Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium 21,000
Al Shabab Stadium 13,537
Jeddah King Abdullah Sports City Stadium 62,345
Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium 27,000
Khobar Aramco Stadium 46,096
(new)

Teams

Main article: 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification

The first two rounds of qualification acted as part of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia, which received automatic qualification for the Asian Cup as host, also participated in the qualifiers to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.[13]

The Northern Mariana Islands, whose football association became the 47th full AFC member during the confederation's 30th Congress on 9 December 2020,[14] was only eligible to enter the qualification tournament for the Asian Cup, but was ultimately excluded.[15]

Qualified teams

Singapore has qualified for the first time on merit, having only previously appeared in 1984 as hosts.[16][17] North Korea returned after missing the previous tournament in 2023, while Kuwait return to the tournament having last appeared in 2015.

Three nations from the previous edition failed to qualify — India, Hong Kong and Malaysia. India and Hong Kong were eliminated by Singapore after respectively placing fourth and second in their third round group. Malaysia was found guilty using falsified eligibility documents and effectively ousted after having two victories being overturned, handing the ticket to its ASEAN competitor Vietnam.

Iran meanwhile extended their qualification record; this was their sixteenth straight appearance in the tournament, having qualified for every edition since 1968.

Team Method of
qualification 		Date of
qualification 		Finals
appearances 		First
appearance 		Last
appearance 		Previous best
performance
 Saudi Arabia Hosts 1 February 2023
12th
1984
2023
 Winners (1984, 1988, 1996)
 Australia Second round Group I winners 26 March 2024
6th
2007
2023
 Winners (2015)
 Iraq Second round Group F winners 26 March 2024
11th
1972
2023
 Winners (2007)
 Iran Second round Group E winners 26 March 2024
16th
1968
2023
 Winners (1968, 1972, 1976)
 Uzbekistan Second round Group E runners-up 26 March 2024
9th
1996
2023
 Fourth place (2011)
 Qatar Second round Group A winners 26 March 2024
12th
1980
2023
 Winners (2019, 2023)
 United Arab Emirates Second round Group H winners 26 March 2024
12th
1980
2023
 Runners-up (1996)
 Japan Second round Group B winners 2 April 2024
11th
1988
2023
 Winners (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011)
 South Korea Second round Group C winners 6 June 2024
16th
1956
2023
 Winners (1956, 1960)
 Oman Second round Group D winners 6 June 2024
6th
2004
2023
 Round of 16 (2019)
 Palestine Second round Group I runners-up 6 June 2024
4th
2015
2023
 Round of 16 (2023)
 Bahrain Second round Group H runners-up 6 June 2024
8th
1988
2023
 Fourth place (2004)
 Jordan Second round Group G winners 6 June 2024
6th
2004
2023
 Runners-up (2023)
 China Second round Group C runners-up 11 June 2024
14th
1976
2023
 Runners-up (1984, 2004)
 Indonesia Second round Group F runners-up 11 June 2024
6th
1996
2023
 Round of 16 (2023)
 North Korea Second round Group B runners-up 11 June 2024
6th
1980
2019
 Fourth place (1980)
 Kuwait Second round Group A runners-up 11 June 2024
11th
1972
2015
 Winners (1980)
 Kyrgyzstan Second round Group D runners-up 11 June 2024
3rd
2019
2023
 Round of 16 (2019)
 Syria Third round Group E winners 14 October 2025
8th
1980
2023
 Round of 16 (2023)
 Singapore Third round Group C winners 18 November 2025
2nd
1984
1984
 Group stage (1984)
 Vietnam Third round Group F winners 17 March 2026[a]
6th
1956
2023
 Fourth place (1956, 1960)
 Tajikistan /  Philippines Third round Group A winners 31 March 2026
 Lebanon /  Yemen Third round Group B winners 31 March 2026
 Thailand /  Turkmenistan Third round Group D winners 31 March 2026

Draw

The draw will be held in Riyadh on 11 April 2026 at the Diriyah Salwa Palace.[20]

Group stage

All times are local, SAST (UTC+3).

Group A

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Saudi Arabia (H) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2 A2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 A3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4 A4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: 7 January 2027. Source: AFC
(H) Hosts
Saudi Arabia Match 1A4
A2MatchA3
A3Match 13 Saudi Arabia
A4MatchA2
Saudi Arabia Match 27A2
A3MatchA4

Group B

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 B1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2 B2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 B3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4 B4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
B1MatchB4
B2MatchB3
B3MatchB1
B4MatchB2
B1MatchB2
B3MatchB4

Group C

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 C1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2 C2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 C3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4 C4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
C1MatchC4
C2MatchC3
C3MatchC1
C4MatchC2
C1MatchC2
C3MatchC4

Group D

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 D1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2 D2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 D3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4 D4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
D1MatchD4
D2MatchD3
D3MatchD1
D4MatchD2
D1MatchD2
D3MatchD4

Group E

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 E1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2 E2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 E3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4 E4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
E1MatchE4
E2MatchE3
E3MatchE1
E4MatchE2
E1MatchE2
E3MatchE4

Group F

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 F1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2 F2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 F3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4 F4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
F1MatchF4
F2MatchF3
F3MatchF1
F4MatchF2
F1MatchF2
F3MatchF4

Ranking of third-placed teams

The four best third-placed teams from the six groups advanced to the knockout stage along with the six group winners and six runners-up.

Pos Grp Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 A Third place Group A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2 B Third place Group B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 C Third place Group C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 D Third place Group D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 E Third place Group E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 F Third place Group F 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: 15 January 2027. Source: AFC

Knockout stage

In the knockout stage, extra time and a penalty shoot-out will be used to decide the winner if necessary.

Third-placed teams
qualify from groups 		1A
vs 		1B
vs 		1C
vs 		1D
vs
A B C D 3C 3D 3A 3B
A B C E 3C 3A 3B 3E
A B C F 3C 3A 3B 3F
A B D E 3D 3A 3B 3E
A B D F 3D 3A 3B 3F
A B E F 3E 3A 3B 3F
A C D E 3C 3D 3A 3E
A C D F 3C 3D 3A 3F
A C E F 3C 3A 3F 3E
A D E F 3D 3A 3F 3E
B C D E 3C 3D 3B 3E
B C D F 3C 3D 3B 3F
B C E F 3E 3C 3B 3F
B D E F 3E 3D 3B 3F
C D E F 3C 3D 3F 3E

Bracket

 
Round of 16Quarter-finalsSemi-finalsFinal
 
              
 
 22 January – Riyadh (Kingdom)
 
 
Runner-up Group A
 
 28 January – Riyadh (Kingdom)
 
Runner-up Group C
 
Winner Match 37
 
 23 January – Riyadh (Imam Mohamed)
 
Winner Match 39
 
Winner Group D
 
 1 February – Al Khobar
 
Third Group B/E/F
 
Winner Match 45
 
 22 January – Riyadh (Al - Shabab)
 
Winner Match 46
 
Winner Group B
 
 28 January – Jeddah (King Abdullah)
 
Third Group A/C/D
 
Winner Match 38
 
 24 January – Riyadh (King Fahd)
 
Winner Match 41
 
Winner Group F
 
 5 February – Riyadh (King Fahd)
 
Runner-up Group E
 
Winner Match 49
 
 25 January – Jeddah (King Abdullah)
 
Winner Match 50
 
Winner Group C
 
 29 January – Riyadh (King Fahd)
 
Third Group A/B/F
 
Winner Match 44
 
 25 January – Riyadh (King Saud)
 
Winner Match 43
 
Winner Group E
 
 2 February – Jeddah (King Abdullah)
 
Runner-up Group D
 
Winner Match 47
 
 23 January – Al Khobar
 
Winner Match 48
 
Winner Group A
 
 29 January – Al Khobar
 
Third Group C/D/E
 
Winner Match 40
 
 24 January – Jeddah (Prince Abdullah)
 
Winner Match 42
 
Runner-up Group B
 
 
Runner-up Group F
 

All times are local, SAST (UTC+3).

Round of 16

Runner-up Group AMatch 37Runner-up Group C
Winner Group BMatch 38Third Group A/C/D
Winner Group DMatch 39Third Group B/E/F
Winner Group AMatch 40Third Group C/D/E
Winner Group FMatch 41Runner-up Group E
Runner-up Group BMatch 42Runner-up Group F
Winner Group EMatch 43Runner-up Group D
Winner Group CMatch 44Third Group A/B/F

Quarter-finals

Winner Match 37Match 45Winner Match 39
Winner Match 38Match 46Winner Match 41
Winner Match 44Match 47Winner Match 43
Winner Match 40Match 48Winner Match 42

Semi-finals

Winner Match 45Match 49Winner Match 46
Winner Match 47Match 50Winner Match 48

Final

Winner Match 49Match 51Winner Match 50

Marketing

Brand

The official logo was unveiled on 24 January 2026. It consists of a wordmark and a trophy symbol derived from Najdi stepped geometry, an architectural and decorative style native to Saudi Arabia. This geometric form, traditionally found in carved patterns, Al Sadu textiles, and regional ornamentation, is characterized by a stepped structure that emphasizes rhythm and balance. The logo is accompanied by decorative patterns referencing Najdi architectural motifs and traditional Saudi craftsmanship, commonly used in homes and doorways, symbolizing hospitality.[21]

Sponsorship

Official Global Partners

Official Global Supporters

Broadcasting rights

The broadcasters around the world that acquired the rights to the tournament included:

Territory Broadcaster(s) Ref.
Australia Paramount+ and Network 10 [27]
India FanCode [28]
Indonesia MNC Media [29]
MENA beIN Sports [30][31]
South Korea Coupang [32]
Thailand BG Sports [33]
Vietnam TV360 [34]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ On 26 September 2025, FIFA sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia and seven players for using falsified eligibility documents. These players played in the match against Nepal and Vietnam.[18] On 5 March 2026, the CAS uphold the sanctions against Malaysia for which AFC overturned Malaysia wins against Nepal (on 25 March 2025) and Vietnam (on 10 June 2025) were overturned to 0–3 defeats on 17 March 2026.[19] The decision effectively qualified Vietnam and eliminated Malaysia, and this date represents the day that the decision was announced.

References

  1. ^ a b "Saudi Arabia confirmed as hosts of the AFC Asian Cup 2027". Asian Football Confederation. 1 February 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  2. ^ "Men's International Match Calendar 2023-2030" (PDF). FIFA. April 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  3. ^ "AFC announces discontinuation of bidding process for AFC Asian Cup™ 2031 and 2035". the-afc.com. Asian Football Confederation. 20 March 2026. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  4. ^ Alex Donaldson (19 March 2026). "AFC moves Asian Cup to even years, suspends bidding for 2031 and 2025". sportcal.com. Sportcal. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Five Member Associations express interest to host 2027 AFC Asian Cup". aseanfootball.org. ASEAN Football Federation. 2 July 2020.
  6. ^ "All five 2027 Asian Cup bidders meet latest deadline to submit documents". Inside the Games. Dunsar Media Company Limited. 13 November 2020.
  7. ^ "Qatar to host AFC Asian Cup 2023; India and Saudi Arabia shortlisted for 2027 edition". Asian Football Confederation. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  8. ^ "AFC Executive Committee (term 2023-2027): Final list of candidates confirmed". AFC. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  9. ^ "AIFF Statement". All India Football Federation. 5 December 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  10. ^ "Two-year countdown: Dates for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 confirmed". The Asian Football Confederation. 7 January 2025. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  11. ^ "AFC announces schedule, venues for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia". ArgaamPlus. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  12. ^ "Football chiefs set dates, name the eight stadiums for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia". Arab News. 8 January 2025. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  13. ^ "ExCo approves expanded AFC Asian Cup finals". Asian Football Confederation. 16 April 2014. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015.
  14. ^ "AFC Congress approves NMIFA's membership". AFC. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  15. ^ "Six teams to contest Qualifiers Playoff for Saudi Arabia 2027". AFC. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  16. ^ Lee, David (18 November 2025). "Singapore secure historic Asian Cup qualification with spirited comeback 2-1 win over Hong Kong". The Straits Times.
  17. ^ Mohan, Matthew (19 November 2025). "Asian Cup 'milestone' belongs to all of Singapore, say matchwinner Ilhan Fandi and Gavin Lee". CNA. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  18. ^ "FIFA sanctions Football Association of Malaysia and seven players". FIFA. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  19. ^ "VVC 20260317DC01" (PDF). Asian Football Confederation. 17 March 2026. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 March 2026. 2. The AFC Asian Cup 2027 (Qualifiers Final Round) match between Malaysia and Nepal which took place on 25 March 2025 is forfeited by Malaysia. Accordingly, applying Article 25.1 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code, Malaysia shall be considered to have lost the AFC Asian Cup 2027 (Qualifiers Final Round) match between Malaysia and Nepal which took place on 25 March 2025 by a score of 0–3. 3. The AFC Asian Cup 2027 (Qualifiers Final Round) match between Malaysia and Vietnam which took place on 10 June 2025 is forfeited by Malaysia. Accordingly, applying Article 25.1 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code, Malaysia shall be considered to have lost the AFC Asian Cup 2027 (Qualifiers Final Round) match between Malaysia and Vietnam which took place on 10 June 2025 by a score of 0–3.
  20. ^ "The Asian Football Confederation Announces the Date for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Draw". ysscores.com. 25 December 2025. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
  21. ^ "New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 brand built to inspire". the-AFC. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  22. ^ "AFC and NEOM announce global multi-year partnership extension". the-AFC. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  23. ^ "AFC and Qatar Airways announce global partnership". the-AFC. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  24. ^ "AFC and KELME extend multi-year partnership". the-AFC. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  25. ^ "Midea becomes Global Supporter of the AFC's National Team Competitions". the-AFC. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  26. ^ "Visa named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026". the-AFC. 19 January 2026.
  27. ^ "Guide: AFC Competitions on 10 Play and Paramount+". 10play.com.au. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  28. ^ "AFC partners with Fancode to stream Asian football competitions in India". AFC. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  29. ^ "MNC Media dan AFC Resmi Perpanjang Kerja Sama Hak Siar". MNC Media. 23 September 2024.
  30. ^ Nicholson, Paul (6 April 2021). "Saudi Sports Company wins AFC media rights in regional new deal". Inside World Football. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  31. ^ "AFC enters into landmark agreement with Saudi Sports Company".
  32. ^ "AFC confirms media rights deal for the 2025-2028 cycle with Korea Republic's Coupang Play". the-AFC. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  33. ^ "BG Sports to become home of AFC competitions in Thailand". the-AFC. Retrieved 7 January 2026.
  34. ^ niên, Báo Thanh (29 December 2025). "AFC and Viettel sign historic agreement, TV360 acquires full broadcasting rights for Asian football in Vietnam". vietnam.vn. Retrieved 29 December 2025.
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