Saudi Arabia Asian Cup postponed due to conflict in Middle East

The Socceroos will have to wait another year for the chance to win a second Asian Cup, with the 2027 tournament postponed by nearly a year.

Scheduled to be played in Saudi Arabia in January and February of 2027, the tournament will now be played from December 23, 2027 to January 21, 2028.

The new dates are pending approval from FIFA.

The decision has been forced by unrest within Saudi Arabia, with Yemen's Iran-allied Houthis claiming responsibility for a series of attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities. 

"The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions," an AFC statement read.