2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification: The 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification is a thrilling journey that determines the teams competing in Asia’s most prestigious football championship.
With a multi-round format and intense competition, this qualification process showcases the best of Asian football. Here’s everything you need to know about the road to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
The AFC Asian Cup is the premier football tournament in Asia, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Held every four years, it brings together the continent’s top national teams to compete for the championship title.
- The qualification matches are spread across several years, with crucial matchdays in 2025 and 2026.
- The final tournament will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
- First Round Draw: Held on July 27, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Second Round Draw: Also conducted on July 27, 2023.
- Third Round Draw: Took place on December 9, 2024, setting the stage for matches starting March 25, 2025.
- Third Round Matches: Scheduled from March 25, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
- Tournament Dates: The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will run from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification
The qualification process for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup began on October 12, 2023, and will conclude on March 31, 2026. It involves four rounds, with the first two rounds doubling as qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
| Main Points | Details |
| Tournament Name | 2027 AFC Asian Cup |
| Host Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Tournament Dates | January 7 – February 5, 2027 |
| Total Teams in Tournament | 24 (including host) |
| Total Teams in Qualification | 46 FIFA-affiliated AFC nations |
| Qualification Start Date | October 12, 2023 |
| Qualification End Date | March 31, 2026 |
| Number of Qualification Rounds | 4 |
| First Round | 20 lowest-ranked teams compete; 10 winners move to second round, best-ranked loser moves to third round, 9 losers enter play-offs |
| Second Round | 36 teams (26 highest-ranked + 10 first-round winners) in 9 groups; 9 group winners & 9 runners-up qualify for Asian Cup & advance in World Cup qualifiers |
| Play-Off Round | 9 lowest-ranked first-round losers play for 5 spots in the third round |
| Third Round | 24 teams (18 third/fourth place from the second round + 6 play-off winners); 6 group winners qualify for the Asian Cup |
| Total Teams Qualifying from Qualification | 23 (joining host Saudi Arabia) |
| Key Teams to Watch | Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, India, Vietnam, Thailand |
| Significance of the Qualification | Determines Asian Cup participants, doubles as World Cup qualifiers (first two rounds), showcases emerging football talent in Asia |
Format of the Qualification Rounds
- First Round: Twenty teams ranked 27–46 played home-and-away matches. Ten winners advanced to the second round, while the best-ranked losing teams moved to subsequent rounds.
- Second Round: Thirty-six teams, including the first-round winners, were divided into nine groups. The top two teams from each group qualified for the Asian Cup and advanced to the World Cup qualifiers.
- Third Round: Twenty-four teams compete in six groups, with only the group winners securing the remaining slots for the Asian Cup.
- Play-Off Round: The lowest-ranked teams from the first round battled for the final spots in the third round.
Read also: 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC
How Does the Qualification Process Work?
The qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup is divided into four rounds, each designed to whittle down the competition and reward the strongest teams. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it unfolds:
First Round: The Starting Line
In the first round, 20 teams ranked 27–46 in the FIFA World Rankings face off in a home-and-away two-legged format.
The 10 winners advance to the second round, while the best-performing losing team moves directly to the third round of Asian Cup qualification.
The remaining nine losers get a second chance in the play-off round. This stage is crucial for lower-ranked teams, allowing them to punch above their weight and progress further in the competition.
Second Round: The Big Guns Enter
The second round brings in the heavy hitters. A total of 36 teams—comprising the top 26 ranked AFC nations plus the 10 first-round winners—are split into nine groups of four.
Each team plays a home-and-away double round-robin schedule. The nine group winners and nine runners-up (18 teams in total) secure their spots in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and advance to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Saudi Arabia, as the host, also participates in this round but only for World Cup qualification purposes, as their Asian Cup spot is already guaranteed. This stage is where the competition intensifies, with top teams like Japan, South Korea, and Australia typically dominating their groups.
Play-Off Round: A Last Chance
The nine losing teams from the first round that didn’t qualify directly get a lifeline in the play-off round. Here, they compete in home-and-away two-legged matches to determine five additional teams that will join the third round of Asian Cup qualification. It’s a do-or-die moment for these nations, offering one final shot at glory.
Third Round: The Final Hurdle
The third round features 24 teams: the best-losing team from the first round, the 18 third- and fourth-placed teams from the second round, and the five play-off winners.
These teams are divided into six groups of four, playing home-and-away round-robin matches from March 25, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Only the six group winners will qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, joining the 18 teams from the second round and host Saudi Arabia.
Teams to Watch
With 46 FIFA-affiliated nations participating, the competition is fierce. Traditional powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, and Iran are expected to shine while emerging teams aim to make their mark.
While powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia are expected to cruise through the early stages, the qualification rounds often produce surprises.
Teams like India, Vietnam, and Thailand have been steadily improving and could make a strong case for qualification. Meanwhile, underdogs from the first round and play-off stages always have the potential to upset the odds and steal the spotlight.
Saudi Arabia, as the host, will be under scrutiny to perform well in the World Cup qualifiers, setting the tone for their home tournament in 2027.
Why the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Matters?
The tournament not only crowns the best team in Asia but also serves as a platform for players to showcase their talent on an international stage. It unites fans across the continent, celebrating the spirit of football.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Host Country
The host country for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 is Saudi Arabia. This will be the first time the tournament is held in the Kingdom, and it is scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
FAQs
How do you qualify for the AFC Asian Cup?
Please specify which tournament or competition you are referring to so I can provide the correct group winners and runners-up.
Who are the qualifiers for India AFC Asian Cup 2027?
India is currently competing in the qualification rounds for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The final list of qualifiers has not been determined yet
Which country will host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027?
Saudi Arabia
What is the prize money for the AFC Asian Cup?
$15 million
Conclusion
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification is more than just a series of matches; it’s a celebration of Asian football’s growth and passion. As teams vie for a spot in the prestigious tournament, fans eagerly await the drama and excitement that only football can deliver.
