Preparations for the Asian Cup remain on track for the tournament to take place in Saudi Arabia in early 2027, local organisers said on Friday, despite uncertainty over sporting events in the kingdom following recent attacks. A strike on Riyadh's international airport on Saturday killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with Yemen's Houthi movement claiming responsibility for the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
Asian soccer chief Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said earlier this week that a postponement until 2028 was possible if necessary, but the local organising committee (LOC) said they were still set on the original January 7 to February 5 schedule. "Preparations across all organisational and operational areas are progressing according to the approved schedule, including work on venues, facilities and supporting services," it said in a statement.
"(The LOC) will continue to monitor developments relevant to the tournament and ensure the appropriate conditions are in place for its successful delivery." The attacks on Riyadh have already had an impact on the Saudi sporting calendar. The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament has been moved from October to December, while FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation on Thursday postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 until an unspecified future date.
The Saudi authorities are working closely with international security partners to bolster safety protocols at all major infrastructure sites. Officials emphasized that the safety of athletes, staff, and spectators remains the top priority as they continue to invest in world-class sporting infrastructure.
Despite the regional tensions, the kingdom remains committed to its Vision 2030 goals, which place sports and tourism at the heart of its economic diversification strategy. The Asian Cup is viewed as a cornerstone event for the nation's growing influence in global sports.
International football governing bodies are maintaining constant communication with the Saudi Football Federation to assess the security landscape. While some events have been rescheduled, the commitment to the 2027 timeline reflects the confidence of the organisers in their ability to manage the current challenges.
Fans and stakeholders are closely watching the situation, as the tournament is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the kingdom. The LOC has promised regular updates as the event approaches.
As the situation evolves, the focus remains on balancing the ambitious sporting calendar with the necessary security measures to ensure a safe and successful tournament for all participating nations.