- The tournament runs 7 January to 5 February 2027, with 24 teams in six groups and 51 matches total.
- Eight stadiums host matches across Riyadh (5 venues), Jeddah (2 venues), and Al Khobar (1 venue).
- Saudi Arabia opens the tournament against Palestine at King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh, on 7 January.
- The final is at King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh, on 5 February 2027.
- Tickets are on sale now through the Ahlan Platforms, from SAR30 (about $8).
When Is the AFC Asian Cup 2027?
The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 runs from Thursday 7 January to Friday 5 February 2027. This is the tournament’s 19th edition and the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted it.
The Asian Football Confederation and the Kingdom’s Local Organising Committee confirmed these dates and the three host cities in a joint announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. The final draw, originally set for 11 April 2026, was pushed back to 9 May 2026 and held at the historic At-Turaif District in Diriyah.
Match Schedule: Group Stage to Final
The tournament moves through five stages over 30 days. Exact kick-off times for individual matches were not yet published on the AFC’s official channels at the time of writing.
Treat the times below as pending, and check the-afc.com or the Ahlan Platforms before you plan a matchday.
- Group stage: 7–20 January 2027, across all three host cities.
- Round of 16: reported for 22–25 January 2027.
- Quarterfinals: reported for 28–29 January 2027, spread across Kingdom Arena, King Fahd Sports City Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, and Aramco Stadium.
- Semifinals: reported for 1–2 February 2027, expected at Aramco Stadium, Al Khobar, and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
- Final: 5 February 2027, confirmed at King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh.
Format: Teams, Groups and Matches
Yemen’s spot in Group E was only settled after the draw. Yemen beat Lebanon 2-0 in a rearranged qualifying match on 4 June 2026 to complete the 24-team lineup.
Twenty-four national teams compete, split into six groups of four. Each team plays three group games.
The top two in every group advance to the Round of 16, along with the four best third-placed sides.
The knockout rounds then run as a straight single-elimination bracket: Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. In keeping with the AFC Asian Cup’s format since 2019, there is no third-place playoff — semifinal losers are ranked by goal difference instead of playing an extra match.
That bracket adds up to 51 matches in total: 36 in the group stage plus 15 across the knockout rounds.
Host Cities and Stadiums
Eight stadiums stage the tournament across three Saudi cities. Riyadh anchors the tournament with five venues, Jeddah hosts two, and Al Khobar’s new stadium in the Eastern Province hosts one.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh is the tournament’s flagship venue, confirmed to host the opening match, the final, Saudi Arabia’s own group games, and fixtures through to the quarterfinals.
Note on naming: Saudi Press Agency releases refer to this Al Khobar venue as “the new Al Khobar Stadium.” Energy company Aramco later took its naming rights as the tournament’s Official Global Supporter.
Press coverage since May 2026 calls it Aramco Stadium. Both names refer to the same building.
Tickets for the AFC Asian Cup 2027
Tickets for all 51 matches are on sale now through the Ahlan Platforms, the tournament’s official ticketing site, with prices starting from SAR30 (about $8).
Getting to Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is the main gateway for matches at the tournament’s five Riyadh venues, including the opening match and the final. Compare flights to Riyadh on Wego.
Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport serves the two Jeddah stadiums and is also the closest major airport for fans combining the tournament with an Umrah visit. Compare flights to Jeddah on Wego.
Al Khobar sits in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, next to Dammam. King Fahd International Airport in Dammam is the gateway for Aramco Stadium fixtures, so search flights to Dammam on Wego.
Where to Stay
Riyadh has the widest hotel selection of the three host cities, reflecting its five stadiums and status as capital. Browse hotels in Riyadh on Wego and book close to King Fahd Sports City Stadium if you’re covering the opening match, the final, or the quarterfinals.
Jeddah is a practical base for fans splitting their trip between matches and the Red Sea coast. Browse hotels in Jeddah on Wego ahead of the group and Round of 16 fixtures there.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the AFC Asian Cup 2027?
The tournament runs from 7 January to 5 February 2027 in Saudi Arabia. It’s the first time the Kingdom has hosted the AFC Asian Cup.
Where is the AFC Asian Cup 2027 being held?
Matches are played across eight stadiums in three Saudi cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. Riyadh hosts five venues, including the opening match and final at King Fahd Sports City Stadium.
How many teams and matches are in the Asian Cup 2027?
Twenty-four national teams compete in six groups of four, playing 51 matches in total. There is no third-place playoff — semifinal losers are ranked by goal difference.
Who plays in the opening match?
Hosts Saudi Arabia face Palestine at King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh, on 7 January 2027. Both sides are in Group A with Kuwait and Oman.
Where can I buy AFC Asian Cup 2027 tickets?
Tickets are sold through the Ahlan Platforms, the tournament’s official ticketing site. Prices start at SAR30, roughly $8, with premium tickets from SAR100.
Are the match kick-off times confirmed yet?
Match dates and venues are confirmed, but individual kick-off times had not been published at the time of writing. Check the AFC’s official channels closer to January 2027 for exact times.
Sources
- Saudi Press Agency — AFC Announces Match Schedule for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027
- Saudi Press Agency — AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Dates and Venues Announced
- Saudi Press Agency — Ticket Sales for AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Begin
- Al Jazeera — AFC Asian Cup 2027: Japan Land Defending Champions Qatar in Tough Draw
- The National — Asian Cup Draw: Saudi Arabia to Face Palestine in Opening Match
- Wikipedia — 2027 AFC Asian Cup (stadium capacities and knockout-stage schedule)
- ESPN — Lebanon 0-2 Yemen, AFC Asian Cup 2027 Third Round, 4 June 2026
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
