Saudi Arabia has been awarded the hosting rights to stage Asia’s most prestigious men’s national team tournament – the AFC Asian Cup 2027 – by the 33rd AFC Congress in Manama on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia submitted its bid to host the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup on Feb. 6, 2020. The competition was between India and Saudi Arabia, after Qatar withdrew, following its success in obtaining the rights to host the tournament in 2023 instead of China. National teams from a total of 24 Asian countries will participate in the tournament.
Saudi Arabia have experienced immense success over the years, being crowned champions on three occasions (1984, 1988, 1996).
Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, following the AFC Congress decision, said that the 2027 Asian Cup has full support from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), also expressed his gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for their unconditional support of the bid.
The tournament will feature the most exciting talent from across Asia, with the qualifying phase to commence in October 2023.
Saudi Arabia, as the host, has pledged to focus on establishing programs to collaborate with all AFC Member Associations to create an equal playing field with new opportunities for all and supporting the development of youth football, bringing the next generation of talent into the game.
The 33rd AFC Congress received a presentation on Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the tournament in 2027. Prince Abdulaziz led the presentation as he welcomed delegates from across Asia and highlighted the full readiness of the Kingdom to host the AFC Asian Cup with distinction.
The presentation also featured Ibrahim Alkassim, General Secretary of SAFF, and former Saudi national team player Mohammed Abduljawad. They both delivered a clear vision of the legacy that the tournament would provide in contributing to the growth and progress of football in Asia.
