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19th edition of the 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)
Venues8 (in 3 host cities)
← 2023
2031 →
International football competition

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.

Qatar are the two-time defending champions, having won their first two titles in 2019 and 2023.

Host selection

[edit]

AFC confirmed the list of member associations expressed their interests to host 2027 Asian Cup before the 30 June 2020 deadline,[3] and they gave their necessary letters of undertaking in November.[4] 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.[5][6] However, India, one of the last two bidders, withdrew on 5 December,[7] 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

[edit]
Map
About OpenStreetMaps
Maps: terms of use
500km
311miles
Khobar
Khobar
Jeddah
Jeddah
Riyadh
Riyadh
Location of the host cities of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The tournament will be played across eight stadiums in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar.[8][9][10]

City Stadium Capacity Image
Riyadh King Fahd Sports City Stadium 72,000
(after renovation)
King Saud University Stadium 26,000
Kingdom Arena 26,000
Imam Mohammed University Stadium [ar] 25,000
(after renovation)
Al-Shabab Stadium 13,000
Jeddah King Abdullah Sports City Stadium 60,000
Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium 26,000
Khobar Aramco Stadium 45,000
(new)

Teams

[edit]
Qualification status
  Teams qualified
  Teams failed to qualify
  Withdrew or excluded
  Not an AFC member

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.[11]

The Northern Mariana Islands, whose football association became the 47th full AFC member during the confederation's 30th Congress on 9 December 2020,[12] was only eligible to enter the qualification tournament for the Asian Cup, but was ultimately excluded.[13]

Qualified teams

[edit]

Singapore qualified on merit for the first time, having only previously appeared in 1984 as hosts.[14][15] Iran extended their qualification record, having qualified 16 straight times for every edition since 1968. None of the South Asian national teams qualified, a first since 2015 and only the second time since 2007. No new teams qualified for this edition, the first since 2011 and only the second time since 1992.

Team Method of
qualification		 Date of
qualification		 Appearances Previous best
performance
Total First Last
 Saudi ArabiaHosts1 February 2023
12th
Winners (1984, 1988, 1996)
 AustraliaSecond round Group I winners26 March 2024
6th
Winners (2015)
 IraqSecond round Group F winners26 March 2024
11th
Winners (2007)
 IranSecond round Group E winners26 March 2024
16th
Winners (1968, 1972, 1976)
 UzbekistanSecond round Group E runners-up26 March 2024
9th
Fourth place (2011)
 QatarSecond round Group A winners26 March 2024
12th
Winners (2019, 2023)
 United Arab EmiratesSecond round Group H winners26 March 2024
12th
Runners-up (1996)
 JapanSecond round Group B winners2 April 2024
11th
Winners (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011)
 South KoreaSecond round Group C winners6 June 2024
16th
Winners (1956, 1960)
 OmanSecond round Group D winners6 June 2024
6th
Round of 16 (2019)
 PalestineSecond round Group I runners-up6 June 2024
4th
Round of 16 (2023)
 BahrainSecond round Group H runners-up6 June 2024
8th
Fourth place (2004)
 JordanSecond round Group G winners6 June 2024
6th
Runners-up (2023)
 ChinaSecond round Group C runners-up11 June 2024
14th
Runners-up (1984, 2004)
 IndonesiaSecond round Group F runners-up11 June 2024
6th
Round of 16 (2023)
 North KoreaSecond round Group B runners-up
 KyrgyzstanSecond round Group D runners-up11 June 2024
3rd
Round of 16 (2019)
 SyriaThird round Group E winners14 October 2025
8th
Round of 16 (2023)
 SingaporeThird round Group C winners18 November 2025
2nd
Group stage (1984)
 VietnamThird round Group F winners17 March 2026[A]
6th
Fourth place (1956, 1960)[B]
 ThailandThird round Group D winners31 March 2026
9th
Third place (1972)
 TajikistanThird round Group A winners31 March 2026
2nd
Quarter-finals (2023)
 YemenThird round Group B winners4 June 2026
3rd
Group stage (1976,[C] 2019)

Draw

[edit]

The draw was originally supposed to be held on 11 April 2026,[18] but was postponed until 9 May 2026 (at the At-Turaif District in Diriyah) amidst concerns over the 2026 Iran war.[19]

From the April 2026 FIFA World Rankings[20]
Pot 1 Pot 2 Pot 3 Pot 4
 Saudi Arabia (61) (hosts)
 Japan (18)
 Iran (21)
 South Korea (25)
 Australia (27)
 Uzbekistan (50)		  Qatar (55)
 Iraq (57)
 Jordan (63)
 United Arab Emirates (68)
 Oman (79)
 Syria (84)		  Bahrain (91)
 Thailand (93)
 China (94)
 Palestine (95)
 Vietnam (99)
 Tajikistan (103)
  Kyrgyzstan (107)
 North Korea (118)
 Indonesia (122)
 Kuwait (134)
 Singapore (147)
 Yemen (149)

Draw result

[edit]

The groups were confirmed following the draw:

Group A
PosTeam
A1 Saudi Arabia
A2 Kuwait
A3 Oman
A4 Palestine
Group B
PosTeam
B1 Uzbekistan
B2 Bahrain
B3 North Korea
B4 Jordan
Group C
PosTeam
C1 Iran
C2 Syria
C3 Kyrgyzstan
C4 China
Group D
PosTeam
D1 Australia
D2 Tajikistan
D3 Iraq
D4 Singapore
Group E
PosTeam
E1 South Korea
E2 United Arab Emirates
E3 Vietnam
E4 Yemen
Group F
PosTeam
F1 Japan
F2 Qatar
F3 Thailand
F4 Indonesia

Group stage

[edit]

Group A

[edit]
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  Kuwait 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3  Oman 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4  Palestine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: 7 January 2027. Source: AFC
(H) Hosts
Saudi Arabia Match 1 Palestine
Oman Match 2 Kuwait
Oman Match 13 Saudi Arabia
Palestine Match 15 Kuwait
Oman Match 25 Palestine
Saudi Arabia Match 27 Kuwait

Group B

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Uzbekistan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2  Bahrain 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3  North Korea 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4  Jordan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
Bahrain Match 3 North Korea
Uzbekistan Match 4 Jordan
North Korea Match 14 Uzbekistan
Jordan Match 17 Bahrain
North Korea Match 26 Jordan
Uzbekistan Match 28 Bahrain

Group C

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Iran 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2  Syria 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3  Kyrgyzstan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4  China 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
Syria Match 5 Kyrgyzstan
Iran Match 6 China
Kyrgyzstan Match 16 Iran
China Match 20 Syria
Iran Match 29 Syria
Kyrgyzstan Match 30 China

Group D

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Australia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2  Tajikistan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3  Iraq 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4  Singapore 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
Australia Match 7 Singapore
Tajikistan Match 8 Iraq
Iraq Match 18 Australia
Singapore Match 19 Tajikistan
Australia Match 31 Tajikistan
Iraq Match 32 Singapore

Group E

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  South Korea 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2  United Arab Emirates 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3  Vietnam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4  Yemen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
South Korea Match 9 Yemen
United Arab Emirates Match 10 Vietnam
Yemen Match 21 United Arab Emirates
Vietnam Match 22 South Korea
South Korea Match 33 United Arab Emirates
Vietnam Match 36 Yemen

Group F

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Japan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2  Qatar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3  Thailand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Possible knockout stage based on ranking
4  Indonesia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: January 2027. Source: AFC
Qatar Match 11 Thailand
Japan Match 12 Indonesia
Thailand Match 23 Japan
Indonesia Match 24 Qatar
Japan Match 34 Qatar
Thailand Match 35 Indonesia

Ranking of third-placed teams

[edit]

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  Oman 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Advance to knockout stage
2 B  North Korea 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 C  Kyrgyzstan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 D  Iraq 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 E  Vietnam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 F  Thailand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: 15 January 2027. Source: AFC

Knockout stage

[edit]

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
ABCD3C3D3A3B
ABCE3C3A3B3E
ABCF3C3A3B3F
ABDE3D3A3B3E
ABDF3D3A3B3F
ABEF3E3A3B3F
ACDE3C3D3A3E
ACDF3C3D3A3F
ACEF3C3A3F3E
ADEF3D3A3F3E
BCDE3C3D3B3E
BCDF3C3D3B3F
BCEF3E3C3B3F
BDEF3E3D3B3F
CDEF3C3D3F3E

Bracket

[edit]
 
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 Mohammed)
 
Winner Match 39
 
Winner Group D
 
 1 February – 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 – Khobar
 
Winner Match 48
 
Winner Group A
 
 29 January – 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

[edit]
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

[edit]
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

[edit]
Winner Match 45Match 49Winner Match 46
Winner Match 47Match 50Winner Match 48

Final

[edit]
Winner Match 49Match 51Winner Match 50

Marketing

[edit]

Brand

[edit]

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]

The tournament slogan, Ahlan Asia (Arabic: أهلاً آسيا), which translates to "Welcome Asia", was revealed on 9 May 2026 during the final draw.[22]

Sponsorship

[edit]

EA Sports FC became the official licensed product for the 2027 Asian Cup, replacing Konami's eFootball which served the role for the 2023 edition.

Official Global Partners

Official Global Supporters

Official Regional Partners

[edit]

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

Territory Broadcaster(s) Ref.
Australia Paramount+ and Network 10 [31]
Brunei Astro [32]
Malaysia
India FanCode [33]
Indonesia MNC Media [34]
Japan DAZN [35]
MENA beIN Sports [36][37]
South Korea Coupang [38]
Thailand BG Sports [39]
United States Paramount+, CBS Sports [40]
Guam Paramount+ [40]
Northern Mariana Islands
US Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico
Vietnam TV360 [41]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ↑ On 26 September 2025, FIFA sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia and seven players for using falsified eligibility documents. These players played in two qualification matches against Nepal and Vietnam.[16] On 5 March 2026, CAS upheld the sanctions, and the AFC overturned Malaysia's wins against Nepal (on 25 March 2025) and Vietnam (on 10 June 2025) to 0–3 defeats on 17 March 2026.[17] The decision effectively qualified Vietnam and eliminated Malaysia, and this date represents the day that the decision was announced.
  2. ↑ both as South Vietnam
  3. ↑ as South Yemen

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 "Saudi Arabia confirmed as hosts of the AFC Asian Cup 2027". the-AFC.com. 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. ↑ "Five Member Associations express interest to host 2027 AFC Asian Cup". aseanfootball.org. ASEAN Football Federation. 2 July 2020.
  4. ↑ "All five 2027 Asian Cup bidders meet latest deadline to submit documents". Inside the Games. Dunsar Media Company Limited. 13 November 2020.
  5. ↑ "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.
  6. ↑ "AFC Executive Committee (term 2023-2027): Final list of candidates confirmed". Asian Football Confederation. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  7. ↑ "AIFF Statement". All India Football Federation. 5 December 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  8. ↑ "Two-year countdown: Dates for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 confirmed". Asian Football Confederation. 7 January 2025. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  9. ↑ "AFC announces schedule, venues for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia". ArgaamPlus. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  10. ↑ "Football chiefs set dates, name the eight stadiums for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia". Arab News. 8 January 2025. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
  11. ↑ "ExCo approves expanded AFC Asian Cup finals". Asian Football Confederation. 16 April 2014. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015.
  12. ↑ "AFC Congress approves NMIFA's membership". Asian Football Confederation. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  13. ↑ "Six teams to contest Qualifiers Playoff for Saudi Arabia 2027". Asian Football Confederation. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  14. ↑ Lee, David (18 November 2025). "Singapore secure historic Asian Cup qualification with spirited comeback 2-1 win over Hong Kong". The Straits Times.
  15. ↑ 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.
  16. ↑ "FIFA sanctions Football Association of Malaysia and seven players". FIFA. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  17. ↑ "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.
  18. ↑ "The Asian Football Confederation Announces the Date for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Draw". ysscores.com. 25 December 2025. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
  19. ↑ "New date for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Final Draw confirmed". Asian Football Confederation. 15 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  20. ↑ "FIFA World Rankings". FIFA. 1 April 2026.
  21. ↑ "New AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 brand built to inspire". Asian Football Confederation. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  22. ↑ "AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ primed for spectacular showdowns". the-AFC.com. Asian Football Confederation. 9 May 2026.
  23. ↑ "AFC and NEOM announce global multi-year partnership extension". Asian Football Confederation. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  24. ↑ "AFC and Qatar Airways announce global partnership". Asian Football Confederation. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  25. ↑ "AFC announces ASPETAR as Official Medical Partner". Asian Football Confederation. 20 April 2026.
  26. ↑ "ALBAIK™ named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™". the-AFC.
  27. ↑ "AFC and KELME extend multi-year partnership". Asian Football Confederation. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  28. ↑ "Midea becomes Global Supporter of the AFC's National Team Competitions". Asian Football Confederation. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  29. ↑ "Aramco named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027". Asian Football Confederation. 6 May 2026.
  30. ↑ "Visa named Official Global Supporter of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026". Asian Football Confederation. 19 January 2026.
  31. ↑ "Guide: AFC Competitions on 10 Play and Paramount+". 10play.com.au. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  32. ↑ "Astro renews partnership with AFC as Official Media Partner in Malaysia until 2028/29". AFC. 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
  33. ↑ "AFC partners with Fancode to stream Asian football competitions in India". AFC. 11 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  34. ↑ "MNC Media dan AFC Resmi Perpanjang Kerja Sama Hak Siar". MNC Media. 23 September 2024.
  35. ↑ "AFC agrees extensive rights deal with DAZN in Japan with selected matches also available on TV Asahi". AFC. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2026.
  36. ↑ Nicholson, Paul (6 April 2021). "Saudi Sports Company wins AFC media rights in regional new deal". Inside World Football. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  37. ↑ "AFC enters into landmark agreement with Saudi Sports Company".
  38. ↑ "AFC confirms media rights deal for the 2025-2028 cycle with Korea Republic's Coupang Play". the-AFC. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  39. ↑ "BG Sports to become home of AFC competitions in Thailand". the-AFC. Retrieved 7 January 2026.
  40. 1 2 "AFC announces US media rights partnership with CBS Sports". the-AFC. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  41. ↑ 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.
[edit]
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