Saudi Arabia enters the final countdown to its first-ever hosting of the continental tournament
Saudi Arabia has reached the 100-day countdown to the start of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, with the tournament set to kick off on January 7, 2027.
The Local Organising Committee said preparations have entered the operational phase, with work continuing across the host cities and stadiums ahead of the arrival of 24 national teams competing for the Asian title.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership, government, the Local Organising Committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for their preparations. He said the 100-day milestone reflects the country’s progress toward delivering the tournament to high standards, from stadiums and facilities to the overall fan experience.
Eight Stadiums Ready for the Tournament
Mai Al-Hilali, CEO of the Local Organising Committee, said preparations for the eight stadiums are progressing according to plan.
More than 50 entities are working together on the tournament, with a focus on creating an experience for fans from the moment they arrive in Saudi Arabia until their departure.
She said the scale of preparations reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for hosting major international sporting events, pointing to the ongoing Khaleeji 27 tournament in Jeddah as another example of the Kingdom’s growing role as a host of major football events.
Countdown Activities
Several initiatives and events are planned in the coming weeks as the tournament approaches.
These include a film highlighting preparations during the final 100 days, the unveiling of the official tournament mascot and the launch of the official sonic identity, alongside other activities leading up to the opening match.
The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 will begin on January 7, 2027, marking the first edition of the tournament to be hosted in the Kingdom.
