Salem Al-Dawsari set to take part in the AFC Asian Cup draw ceremony

06/05/2026

DIRIYAH, Saudi Arabia, May 6: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Saudi Arabia international and Al-Hilal star Salem Al-Dawsari will be among seven prominent football figures assisting in the draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, scheduled for Saturday in Diriyah.

The ceremony will be staged at the historic Salwa Palace in the Al-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, giving the event a unique cultural backdrop. The draw will feature leading names from across West and East Asia, including Al-Dawsari and Japan legend Hidetoshi Nakata.

According to the AFC, the group of seven assistants will support AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John, who will oversee the official draw for the tournament’s 19th edition, featuring 24 of Asia’s top national teams.

Among the other participants is Jordan national team coach Jamal Sellami, who made history by guiding Jordan to their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification for 2026.

Saudi Arabia will also be represented by para-footballer Yazan Seifin, who has stood out for the national team and serves as an ambassador for the Saudi Football Federation’s research institute.