Asian Cup starts in Riyadh on January 7 despite regional security fears

The Asian Football Confederation confirmed on Monday that the 2027 Asian Cup will begin on January 7 in Riyadh, holding to the original timeline despite ongoing security concerns in the region. The continental championship is scheduled to run for 29 days, with the final set for February 5.

The tournament will utilize eight venues across three cities. Five stadiums are located in Riyadh, two in Jeddah, and one in Al Khobar. The opening match, featuring hosts Saudi Arabia against Palestine, will take place at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh. This 72,000-seat venue will also host the final.

Security remains a central concern for the 24 participating federations. Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, president of the Japan Football Association, stated that the current situation makes it difficult to host the event as planned. "Based on what I have learned from the news, the situation is still unsafe, so at this point, I do not think it would be easy to hold the [Asian] Cup there," Miyamoto said. He added that Saudi officials told him their top priority is the safety of players and fans.

The confirmation of dates comes as the Kingdom faces increased military activity. The Saudi-led coalition intercepted projectiles from Yemen on Sunday, targeting cities across the country. The Saudi Civil Defence reported that shrapnel from two intercepted ballistic missiles, suspected to be from Yemen’s Houthis, fell in Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh, and Wadi Al Mughammas in Mecca province. These incidents follow a wave of missile and drone attacks in recent weeks that targeted both civilian and military infrastructure.

Logistical disruptions have also affected the host city. International flights from King Khalid International Airport resumed on Sunday from Terminal 2, while Terminal 1 is now designated for domestic travel. This follows a suspension of flights after Houthi strikes, including an attack on October 10 that killed 13 people and injured hundreds.

AFC chief Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa noted this month that a delay to 2028 was possible if necessary, but the local organizing committee has chosen to proceed. Other major sporting events, such as the Dakar Rally, have already moved their 2027 editions out of Saudi Arabia due to regional developments.

Defending champions Qatar will open their campaign against Thailand on January 11. Japan will face Indonesia on the same day, while South Korea plays Yemen, Australia takes on Singapore, and Iran meets China in their opening fixtures. The group stage ends on January 20, with knockout rounds starting on January 22. This will be the first time Saudi Arabia hosts the Asian Cup, seven years before they stage the 2034 World Cup.