By Harry Izzdin
KUCHING: Fans and players will soon get a preview of what to expect at the World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom prepares to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
On Tuesday in a statement, officials revealed the tournament dates and venues in a press statement, launching a two-year countdown to the highly anticipated event.
Set to run from Jan 7 to Feb 5, 2027, the competition will take place across three major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
This marks a significant milestone for Saudi football, which controversially secured the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup following an uncontested bidding process just a month ago.
Among the eight stadiums confirmed for the Asian Cup is the 70,000-capacity King Fahd Sports City Stadium, alongside the King Saud University Stadium — both in Riyadh and also earmarked to stage World Cup matches in 2034.
Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, with a seating capacity of 60,000, is also set to feature.
“Confirming the dates and selecting the stadiums for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 is a strategic milestone in our journey to host the tournament,” said Yasser al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
As to date, eighteen teams have already sealed their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.
The final spots for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be determined through the Qualifiers Final Round, set to kick off in March 2025.
This phase will see six groups of four teams battle it out, as confirmed during last month’s draw.
The winners of each group will secure their place in the prestigious tournament, rounding out the line-up for the continental showpiece.
