Arabic version: إعادة جدولة قرعة كأس آسيا بسبب الصراع الإقليمي
The draw for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been rescheduled for May 9 in Riyadh, as the United States-Israel war on Iran disrupts regional sporting events. The draw, originally scheduled for last Saturday, will be held at the historic At-Turaif District in Diriyah.
According to Al Jazeera, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Wednesday that the postponement was made to ensure the full participation of all key stakeholders and member associations.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has already led to the postponement or cancellation of several sporting events across the region. Saudi Arabia is set to host the 24-team, quadrennial continental championship for the first time from January 7 to February 5.
With 23 of the 24 teams already confirmed, the upcoming draw will divide the qualified nations into six groups of four. The final qualification place will be decided on June 4 when Lebanon faces Yemen in a playoff. Defending champions Qatar have already secured their place at the finals along with four-time winners Japan and fellow World Cup qualifiers South Korea, Iran, Jordan, Australia, and Uzbekistan.
