The draw for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, originally scheduled for this Saturday, has been postponed to May 9, the Asian Football Confederation announced today.
This marks the second delay for the tournament draw, which was initially planned for earlier this year. The 24-team competition, set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia, will now see its qualification groups determined next month.
While the AFC did not provide specific reasons for the postponement, the decision comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent military actions in the Middle East. The tournament represents a significant moment for Saudi Arabian football as the kingdom prepares to host its first major international football competition.
"We will announce the new draw details in due course," an AFC spokesperson stated, adding that all participating nations have been notified of the schedule change.
The Asian Cup, held every four years, typically features top Asian football nations including defending champions Qatar, Japan, South Korea, and Iran. The 2027 edition will mark the first time the tournament expands to 24 teams, following the format introduced in 2019.