2027 AFC Asian Cup
January 7, 2027 – February 5, 2027 +03
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup is the premier international football championship for Asia. This 19th edition marks a historic milestone as Saudi Arabia hosts the tournament for the first time, bringing together 24 nations for a month of world-class football under the slogan “Forward for Asia.”
📅 🏟️ When and Where is the 2027 AFC Asian Cup?
The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027. The event will be hosted across Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 in three major hub cities. Matches will be played across eight confirmed venues:
📍 Riyadh Cluster (The Capital) Five stadiums in the capital will host Asia’s football elite:
- King Fahd Sports City Stadium: (Capacity: 80,000+) – Currently undergoing massive expansion to host the Opening Match and the Final.
- King Saud University Stadium: (Al-Awwal Park) – A modern, high-intensity football-specific stadium.
- Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium: A key academic and sporting hub integrated into the capital.
- Kingdom Arena: The state-of-the-art, fully enclosed multi-purpose venue.
- Al Shabab Stadium: The newly renovated home of Al Shabab FC, offering an intimate fan experience.
📍 Jeddah Cluster (The Red Sea Hub)
- King Abdullah Sports City (The Jewel): (Capacity: 62,000) – A world-class architectural masterpiece.
- Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City: A legendary coastal venue recently upgraded for international competition.
📍 Alkhobar Cluster (The Eastern Hub)
- New Alkhobar Stadium: A flagship new stadium being built specifically for the 2027 tournament to serve the Eastern Province.
⚽ Tournament Format of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will feature 24 national teams, divided into six groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed finishers, will advance to the Round of 16 knockout stage.
Qualified Teams
The following 20 nations have officially secured their spots, with the final 4 to be determined in March 2026.
| Team | Qualification Method | Best Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 | Hosts | Winners (1984, 1988, 1996) |
| Australia 🇦🇺 | Second round Group I winners | Winners (2015) |
| Iraq 🇮🇶 | Second round Group F winners | Winners (2007) |
| Iran 🇮🇷 | Second round Group E winners | Winners (1968, 1972, 1976) |
| Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 | Second round Group E runners-up | Fourth place (2011) |
| Qatar 🇶🇦 | Second round Group A winners | Winners (2019, 2023) |
| United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 | Second round Group H winners | Runners-up (1996) |
| Japan 🇯🇵 | Second round Group B winners | Winners (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011) |
| South Korea 🇰🇷 | Second round Group C winners | Winners (1956, 1960) |
| Oman 🇴🇲 | Second round Group D winners | Round of 16 (2019) |
| Palestine 🇵🇸 | Second round Group I runners-up | Round of 16 (2023) |
| Bahrain 🇧🇭 | Second round Group H runners-up | Fourth place (2004) |
| Jordan 🇯🇴 | Second round Group G winners | Runners-up (2023) |
| China 🇨🇳 | Second round Group C runners-up | Runners-up (1984, 2004) |
| Indonesia 🇮🇩 | Second round Group F runners-up | Round of 16 (2023) |
| North Korea 🇰🇵 | Second round Group B runners-up | Fourth place (1980) |
| Kuwait 🇰🇼 | Second round Group A runners-up | Winners (1980) |
| Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 | Second round Group D runners-up | Round of 16 (2019) |
| Syria 🇸🇾 | Third round Group E winners | Round of 16 (2023) |
| Singapore 🇸🇬 | Third round Group C winners | Group stage (1984) |
| TBD | Third round Group A winners | Available March 2026 |
| TBD | Third round Group B winners | Available March 2026 |
| TBD | Third round Group D winners | Available March 2026 |
| TBD | Third round Group F winners | Available March 2026 |
🎟️ Tickets for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup
Tickets for the tournament are expected to go on sale in mid-2026.
- Official Ticket Link: The only official place to purchase tickets will be the AFC official portal.
- Hayya-Style Entry: Following regional trends, ticket holders will likely utilize a unified Fan ID system for entry visas and match access.
- Hospitality: Premium Majlis-style hospitality packages and travel bundles will be available, offering luxury accommodation and guaranteed seating.
🚆 Travel to 2027 AFC Asian Cup & Transit Between Venues
Saudi Arabia is utilizing its “Vision 2030” infrastructure to ensure a seamless fan experience for international and domestic travelers.
International Arrival
- Air Travel: Most fans will arrive via King Khalid International (RUH) in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International (JED) in Jeddah, or King Fahd International (DMM) in Dammam. Saudia and Riyadh Air (the new national carrier) will provide extensive flight networks.
- E-Visa: Citizens from over 60 countries can apply for a quick e-visa. Football fans with match tickets may be eligible for a streamlined “Tournament Visa” via the official Fan ID portal.
Inter-City Transit
- Haramain High-Speed Rail: A state-of-the-art 300km/h rail link connects Jeddah (and its stadiums) to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as the JED airport hub.
- Domestic Flights: Given the distance between the Western (Jeddah), Central (Riyadh), and Eastern (Alkhobar) clusters, frequent “Shuttle Flights” will operate between the three host regions.
- North-South Railway: Connects Riyadh to various northern regions, providing an alternative for domestic fans.
Intra-City & Stadium Access
- Riyadh Metro: The massive six-line network connects the airport, downtown, and major fan zones directly to stadium districts.
- Ride-Sharing: Uber and Careem are the primary ride-hailing services available in all host cities.
- Stadium Shuttles: Dedicated “Park and Ride” bus services will operate from major transit hubs to stadium gates on match days to reduce traffic congestion.
🏨 Where to Stay for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup
The host cities offer a massive range of accommodation from ultra-luxury to modern budget stays.
- Riyadh: Ideal for the Opening and Final. Top options include the JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and various boutique hotels near the KAFD business district.
- Jeddah: Best for the coastal atmosphere. Options range from beachfront resorts on the Corniche to historic stays in Al-Balad.
- Alkhobar: Features high-end coastal hotels like the Grand Hyatt Al Khobar, located near the new stadium site.
🔗 Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the tournament, here are some essential resources:
- Official AFC Website
- Saudi 2027 Host Committee
- Visit Saudi (Official Tourism)
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visa Info)
Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by Sports Tourist