AFC moves 2027 Asian Cup draw to May 9 in Diriyah

The official logo of the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

RIYADH, April 15: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the draw for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia will now take place on May 9 in Riyadh’s historic Diriyah district, specifically at the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif site.

The draw had originally been scheduled for April 11 but was postponed to ensure full participation from all member associations, stakeholders, and tournament partners.

In its statement, the AFC thanked the Local Organizing Committee and the Asian football community for their cooperation and understanding, noting that further details on the ceremony schedule will be announced in due course.

The draw will place the 24 qualified teams into six groups of four, setting the pathway for the tournament, which Saudi Arabia will host for the first time from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

So far, 23 teams have secured their places at the finals, with the final slot to be decided on June 4 when Lebanon face Yemen in a playoff for qualification.