AFC confirms date of AFC Asian Cup 2027 final draw in Riyadh

The final draw will take place on May 9

 The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Final Draw is now scheduled to take place on May 9, 2026, in Riyadh at the historic At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

At-Turaif District will host the AFC Asian Cup final draw

Originally slated for April 11 in Riyadh, the event was moved to ensure the full participation of all key stakeholders and Participating Member Associations. This adjustment reflects the AFC’s and LOC’s commitments to hosting a premier ceremony befitting the prestige and stature of the Continent’s flagship tournament.

With 23 of the 24 participating nations already confirmed, the draw of the 19th iteration will see Asia’s elite national teams divided into six groups of four, mapping out the thrilling battles ahead of the eagerly anticipated spectacle, which will be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time from January 7 to February 5, 2027. The final spot will be determined on June 4, 2026, when Lebanon and Yemen face off for pole position in Group B.

The AFC reiterates its sincere gratitude to the Local Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and the broader Asian football family for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging period.

Why was the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final draw postponed?

The final draw for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 was postponed due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East.

The decision came amid an ongoing conflict involving Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other. More importantly, nearby nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates also experienced spillover effects from the conflict, which had started on February 28, 2026.

Although multiple teams were set to take part in the tournament, the unstable conditions significantly disrupted travel arrangements for the final draw scheduled in Saudi Arabia. As a result, stricter travel advisories and widespread flight interruptions affected both the ability and willingness of participating nations to attend the event in person.

Meanwhile, the India national football team failed to secure qualification for the tournament under Khalid Jamil. They had played their final match of the campaign against Hong Kong national football team on March 31, 2026, where they had registered a 2-1 victory.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.