Asian Cup Draw Rescheduled Due to Ongoing Conflict in Middle East Region

The draw for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup has been rescheduled to May 9 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event was initially set for last Saturday but was postponed due to regional disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the change on Wednesday, citing a need to ensure the participation of all key stakeholders and member associations. As a result, several sporting events across the region have been postponed or cancelled.

Saudi Arabia will host the 24-team tournament from January 7 to February 5 for the first time. With 23 teams already confirmed, the draw will divide the participating nations into six groups of four. The final qualification place will be determined on June 4 when Lebanon faces Yemen in a playoff.

Defending champions Qatar, four-time winners Japan, and World Cup qualifiers South Korea, Iran, Jordan, Australia, and Uzbekistan have secured their places at the finals. The rescheduled draw date has been announced for May 9 at the historic At-Turaif District in Diriyah.

Source: Al Jazeera