2027 AFC Asian Cup: The AFC Asian Cup is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, showcasing Asia’s best teams and players.
As we look ahead to the 2027 edition of the competition, excitement is already building. In this article, we explore what to expect from the upcoming tournament, its significance, and its potential impact on football across Asia.
The AFC Asian Cup is organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and is held every four years. It serves as Asia’s premier football championship, featuring top teams from across the continent battling for glory.
- A total of 24 teams will participate.
- The teams will be divided into six groups (each with four teams).
- They will play matches in a home-and-away round-robin format.
- The group winners will qualify for the Asian Cup.
- They will join 18 teams that have already qualified.
2027 AFC Asian Cup Schedule
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be the 19th edition of Asia’s biggest international football tournament. It is organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and happens every four years.
In 2027, Saudi Arabia will host the tournament for the first time. The matches will take place from 7 January to 5 February 2027.
| Main Point | Details |
| Tournament Name | 2027 AFC Asian Cup |
| Edition | 19th edition |
| Organizer | Asian Football Confederation (AFC) |
| Host Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Tournament Dates | 7 January – 5 February 2027 |
| Number of Teams | 24 teams |
| Tournament Format | Six groups of four teams (home-and-away round-robin matches) |
| Qualification | – Group winners qualify for the tournament – 18 teams qualified directly |
| Defending Champions | Qatar (2019 & 2023 winners) |
| Why 2023 Asian Cup Was Delayed | – China was removed as host – Qatar’s summer is too hot |
| Host Selection | – Several countries applied – India withdrew in Dec 2022 – Saudi Arabia confirmed as host on 1 Feb 2023 |
| First Time Hosting? | Yes, Saudi Arabia is hosting for the first time |
2027 AFC Asian Cup Start Date
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup is set to kick off on January 7, 2027, and will run until February 5, 2027. The tournament will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, with matches taking place across three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
Teams to Watch
Every edition of the AFC Asian Cup brings surprises and drama, and 2027 will be no different. Keep an eye on powerhouse teams like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, as well as potential underdog stories.
2027 AFC Asian Cup Team
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will feature 24 teams from across Asia. Saudi Arabia, as the host nation, has automatically qualified for the tournament.
The remaining teams will qualify through the AFC’s multi-round qualification process, which is ongoing and will conclude in 2026.
Some of the teams that have already secured their spots include Australia, Iraq, and Iran, among others. The full list of participating teams will be finalized closer to the tournament.
2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualification
The qualification process for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup is organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and is running alongside the qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s a breakdown of the structure:
- First Round: 20 lower-ranked teams (ranked 27–46) played home-and-away matches. The 10 winners advanced to the second round, while the losing teams entered a playoff round.
- Second Round: 36 teams (ranked 1–26 and the 10 winners from the first round) were divided into 9 groups of 4 teams. The top two teams from each group (18 in total) qualified for the Asian Cup and advanced to the third round of World Cup qualifiers.
- Playoff Round: The losing teams from the first round competed for a chance to enter the third round of Asian Cup qualification.
- Third Round: 24 teams (including the best-ranked losing team from the first round, 18 third and fourth-placed teams from the second round, and 5 winners from the playoff round) are divided into 6 groups of 4 teams. The group winners will secure the remaining slots for the Asian Cup.
Saudi Arabia, as the host nation, has already qualified automatically. The qualification process will conclude in 2026.
2027 AFC Asian Cup Venue
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, with matches taking place across three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar. The tournament will feature eight stadiums, including prominent venues like the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh and the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah
Impact of the Tournament on Asian Football
The AFC Asian Cup plays a pivotal role in elevating football’s popularity across Asia. From grassroots development to inspiring young players, the tournament fosters growth and unity among nations.
2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualification Standings
You can find the latest standings for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification on Wikipedia or check out the official AFC website for detailed fixtures and standings. Additionally, Eurosport provides group standings and updates.
2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualification Stats
You can explore detailed statistics for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification on platforms like Wikipedia, FBref, and FootyStats. These sources provide insights into matches played, goals scored, attendance figures, and top scorers.
FAQs (People also ask)
Who is hosting the AFC Asian Cup 2027?
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar)
Where will 2027 Asian Games be held?
Saudi Arabia
Who has the most AFC Asian Cup winners?
Japan is the most successful team in AFC Asian Cup history, winning it four times.
What is the prize money for the AFC Asian Cup?
$15 million
Who is hosting the Gulf Cup 2027?
Al-Misehal thanked the Kingdom’s leadership for their support, leading to Saudi Arabia hosting the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup.
Conclusion
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, uniting millions of fans in their love for the beautiful game. Stay tuned for updates as the tournament draws closer and excitement builds.
