AFC Asian Cup - Landing Page - UAT

News (UAT)

Important update on AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Important update on AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: Following extensive discussions and close consultation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the upcoming edition of Asia’s crown jewel, originally to be held from January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.

The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval.

Know your team: IR Iran

Mon, 02 Nov, 2026

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: The Islamic Republic of Iran will travel to Saudi Arabia looking to bring to an end an AFC Asian Cup™ drought that stretches back more than 50 years since the last of the nation’s three consecutive continental titles.

The Iranians were the dominant force in Asian football from the late 1960s until the end of the 1970s, winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1968, 1972 and 1976 while also qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup in 1978.

Spearheaded by legendary names such as Ali Parvin and Nasser Hejazi, Team Melli stood tall as the kings of the continent until that golden era came to an end. Since then, the Iranians have experienced a long series of near-misses.

Know your team: Jordan

Sat, 31 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will be out to prove that their best-ever finish four years ago was not a flash-in-the-pan when they take on allcomers at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

There will be no shortage of confidence in the camp after going from strength to strength since their memorable run to the final at Qatar 2023.

Know your team: DPR Korea

Fri, 30 Oct, 2026

Know your team: DPR Korea

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea are ready to reclaim their place among Asia’s elite when they return to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ for the first time since 2019.

Drawn in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Bahrain and Jordan, the East Asian side will look to build on a proud history that includes a fourth-place finish in 1980.

Know your team: Bahrain

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Bahrain

Kuala Lumpur: Bahrain will aim to build on their proudest moments on the continental stage when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The Red Warriors, making their eighth competition appearance and with some eventful performances behind them, will be seeking to surpass their best-ever finish of fourth place in 2004.

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan will travel to Saudi Arabia harbouring ambitions to continue their climb into the upper echelon of the continental game by making a significant impact at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ just months after the nation’s first FIFA World Cup appearance.

The Central Asian nation ended years of frustration since gaining independence in 1991 to secure their berth at the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico and Fabio Cannavaro’s side will be keen to build on that experience at the AFC Asian Cup.

Know your team: Palestine

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Palestine

Kuala Lumpur: A determined Palestine will be keen to take another step forward when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

After breaking new barriers to reach the knockout stage for the first time at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, Palestine will be pushing hard to etch a new chapter in their history at the 19th edition of the illustrious competition.

Know your team: Oman

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Oman

Kuala Lumpur: Oman will be determined to impress when they make their sixth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, having fallen agonisingly short at Qatar 2023.

Drawn alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Palestine in Group A, the West Asian side will aim to build on their experience and challenge for a place beyond the Round of 16 for the first time.

Match schedule finalised for #AsianCup2027

Mon, 26 Oct, 2026

Match schedule finalised for #AsianCup2027

Kuala Lumpur: The kick-off times and venues for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ have been confirmed as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) today revealed the finalised match schedule.

Staged in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the very first time, the quest for ultimate glory at the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel ignites on January 7 (Thursday) in the capital city of Riyadh at the 72,000-seater King Fahd Sports City Stadium when Saudi Arabia take on Palestine at 8pm in what promises to be a thrilling opening match.

Know your team: Kuwait

Sun, 25 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Kuwait

Kuala Lumpur: Kuwait will feel they are back where they belong as the former champions eye a memorable outing at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The heydays of 1980 where Kuwait were crowned champions after a 3-0 win against Korea Republic seem like a distant past but there’s hope within the camp that this qualification is the first step towards rediscovering their place at the top tier of Asian football.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Sun, 25 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be hoping home advantage can inspire a return to the summit of continental football when they host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with the three-time champions determined to end a title drought stretching back more than three decades.

One of the continent’s most successful nations, the Green Falcons made an immediate impact on their tournament debut at Singapore 1984, lifting the trophy before successfully defending their crown four years later in Qatar.

#AsianCup - Facts & Figures

Fri, 23 Oct, 2026

#AsianCup - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: Anticipation continues to build for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with the action set to kick off in slightly over two months.

The upcoming edition is set to be another fiesta of Asian football and the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane to highlight some fascinating facts and figures.

Photos (UAT)

Important update on AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Tue, 03 Nov, 2026

Important update on AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

Kuala Lumpur: Following extensive discussions and close consultation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the upcoming edition of Asia’s crown jewel, originally to be held from January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.

The Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval.

Know your team: IR Iran

Mon, 02 Nov, 2026

Know your team: IR Iran

Kuala Lumpur: The Islamic Republic of Iran will travel to Saudi Arabia looking to bring to an end an AFC Asian Cup™ drought that stretches back more than 50 years since the last of the nation’s three consecutive continental titles.

The Iranians were the dominant force in Asian football from the late 1960s until the end of the 1970s, winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1968, 1972 and 1976 while also qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup in 1978.

Spearheaded by legendary names such as Ali Parvin and Nasser Hejazi, Team Melli stood tall as the kings of the continent until that golden era came to an end. Since then, the Iranians have experienced a long series of near-misses.

Know your team: Jordan

Sat, 31 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Jordan

Kuala Lumpur: Jordan will be out to prove that their best-ever finish four years ago was not a flash-in-the-pan when they take on allcomers at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

There will be no shortage of confidence in the camp after going from strength to strength since their memorable run to the final at Qatar 2023.

Know your team: DPR Korea

Fri, 30 Oct, 2026

Know your team: DPR Korea

Kuala Lumpur: DPR Korea are ready to reclaim their place among Asia’s elite when they return to the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ for the first time since 2019.

Drawn in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Bahrain and Jordan, the East Asian side will look to build on a proud history that includes a fourth-place finish in 1980.

Know your team: Bahrain

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Bahrain

Kuala Lumpur: Bahrain will aim to build on their proudest moments on the continental stage when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The Red Warriors, making their eighth competition appearance and with some eventful performances behind them, will be seeking to surpass their best-ever finish of fourth place in 2004.

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Thu, 29 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Uzbekistan

Kuala Lumpur: Uzbekistan will travel to Saudi Arabia harbouring ambitions to continue their climb into the upper echelon of the continental game by making a significant impact at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ just months after the nation’s first FIFA World Cup appearance.

The Central Asian nation ended years of frustration since gaining independence in 1991 to secure their berth at the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico and Fabio Cannavaro’s side will be keen to build on that experience at the AFC Asian Cup.

Know your team: Palestine

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Palestine

Kuala Lumpur: A determined Palestine will be keen to take another step forward when they compete at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

After breaking new barriers to reach the knockout stage for the first time at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, Palestine will be pushing hard to etch a new chapter in their history at the 19th edition of the illustrious competition.

Know your team: Oman

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Oman

Kuala Lumpur: Oman will be determined to impress when they make their sixth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, having fallen agonisingly short at Qatar 2023.

Drawn alongside hosts Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Palestine in Group A, the West Asian side will aim to build on their experience and challenge for a place beyond the Round of 16 for the first time.

Match schedule finalised for #AsianCup2027

Mon, 26 Oct, 2026

Match schedule finalised for #AsianCup2027

Kuala Lumpur: The kick-off times and venues for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ have been confirmed as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) today revealed the finalised match schedule.

Staged in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the very first time, the quest for ultimate glory at the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel ignites on January 7 (Thursday) in the capital city of Riyadh at the 72,000-seater King Fahd Sports City Stadium when Saudi Arabia take on Palestine at 8pm in what promises to be a thrilling opening match.

Know your team: Kuwait

Sun, 25 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Kuwait

Kuala Lumpur: Kuwait will feel they are back where they belong as the former champions eye a memorable outing at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The heydays of 1980 where Kuwait were crowned champions after a 3-0 win against Korea Republic seem like a distant past but there’s hope within the camp that this qualification is the first step towards rediscovering their place at the top tier of Asian football.

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Sun, 25 Oct, 2026

Know your team: Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be hoping home advantage can inspire a return to the summit of continental football when they host the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with the three-time champions determined to end a title drought stretching back more than three decades.

One of the continent’s most successful nations, the Green Falcons made an immediate impact on their tournament debut at Singapore 1984, lifting the trophy before successfully defending their crown four years later in Qatar.

#AsianCup - Facts & Figures

Fri, 23 Oct, 2026

#AsianCup - Facts & Figures

Kuala Lumpur: Anticipation continues to build for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, with the action set to kick off in slightly over two months.

The upcoming edition is set to be another fiesta of Asian football and the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane to highlight some fascinating facts and figures.

Video (UAT)

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ match schedule unveiled

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026

AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ match schedule unveiled

  • Team Base Camp concept to be implemented for first time
  • Date of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Final Draw confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: With 10 months to go until kick-off for the Continent’s most prestigious men’s football competition, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) today confirmed the match schedule for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

AFC receives bids to host for AFC Asian Cup 2035™

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

AFC receives bids to host for AFC Asian Cup 2035™

Kuala Lumpur: Following the proposal put forward by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa at the 35th AFC Congress to explore the possibility of presenting the host selections for both the 2031 and 2035 editions of the AFC Asian Cup™ for approval at a single Congress, the AFC has concluded the process of receiving bids from interested Member Associations (MAs) for the AFC Asian Cup 2035™.

The bidding process for the AFC Asian Cup 2031™ was completed last year and attracted strong interest from across the Continent. Subsequently, and in line with the AFC President's forward-looking approach, invitations to bid for the 2035 edition were circulated to MAs on August 27, 2025, with the submission window closing on December 31, 2025.

Cast set for Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round draw

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

Cast set for Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round draw

Kuala Lumpur: The stage for the third and final round of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ will be set at the Qualifiers Draw ceremony on Monday, December 9 at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Six berths remain to be clinched and the 24-strong cast will be divided equally into six groups to do battle starting from March 2025, with only the group winners progressing to the 19th edition of Asia’s crown jewel.

Philippines' Schrock calls time on career

Wed, 21 Aug, 2024

Philippines' Schrock calls time on career

Manila: Former Philippines captain Stephan Schrock announced his retirement from football on Wednesday as he celebrated his 37th birthday.

The Germany-born midfielder played 61 times for the Philippines, including leading the nation to the finals of the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, the first time the country had qualified for the continental championship.

China PR at the AFC Asian Cup

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023

China PR at the AFC Asian Cup

Kuala Lumpur: China PR have a rich history at the AFC Asian Cup but the title has continued to elude them.

As the East Asian side work towards rectifying that, the-AFC.com takes a look at some key facts and figures about China PR at the continental showpiece.

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ logo revealed

Thu, 11 May, 2023

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ logo revealed

Doha: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ have launched today the Official Logo of the competition. The logo was revealed to audiences at the Final Draw at the Katara Opera House in Doha, Qatar on 11 May.

The newly launched logo combines the silhouette of the famous AFC Asian Cup™ trophy with unique cultural elements that embody the competition’s spirit. The lines of the trophy draw inspiration from the feathers of the majestic falcon, a bird with historical significance to the nation of Qatar, and the petals of Asia’s indigenous lotus flower. The two native symbols are united by one trait: their ability to rise above, as the lotus flower floats above water and the falcon soars in the sky.

Tarkovic takes charge of Kyrgyz Republic

Tue, 25 Apr, 2023

Tarkovic takes charge of Kyrgyz Republic

Bishkek: Kyrgyz Republic have named Slovakia’s Stefan Tarkovic as the head coach of their senior national team, replacing the departed Aleksandr Krestinin.

The 50-year-old was appointed following a meeting of the Kyrgyz Football Union on Monday and he will lead the country into the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Park to step down as Vietnam head coach

Tue, 18 Oct, 2022

Park to step down as Vietnam head coach

Hanoi: Park Hang-seo’s tenure as Vietnam national team head coach will end on 31 January 2023 with the AFF Cup 2022 in December his final assignment.  

Park will part ways with Vietnam after a five-year stint, during which time the Southeast Asian side showed tremendous progress. 

Four Expressions of Interest received to host AFC Asian Cup 2023™

Mon, 18 Jul, 2022

Four Expressions of Interest received to host AFC Asian Cup 2023™

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has received Expressions of Interest (EoI) from four AFC Member Associations (MAs) to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ final competition.

Following the AFC's invitation to all MAs to express their interest in hosting the flagship men's national team tournament on May 31, 2022, the following AFC MAs have responded by the extended deadline of July 15, 2022, and expressed their interest to bid for the hosting rights of the AFC Asian Cup 2023™:

AFC extends AFC Asian Cup 2023™ EoI deadline to July 15, 2022

Tue, 28 Jun, 2022

AFC extends AFC Asian Cup 2023™ EoI deadline to July 15, 2022

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has extended the deadline to receive Expressions of Interest (EoI) from the AFC Member Associations (MAs) to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ from the original date of June 30, 2022, to July 15, 2022.

The AFC had issued an EOI invitation to the AFC MAs to host the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ on May 31, 2022. This followed China PR’s decision to withdraw as hosts of the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ and the consequent mandate provided to the AFC Administration by the 32nd AFC Congress 2022 to define the terms and requirements of an expedited bidding process to find a replacement host for the competition.

Beating Kuwait paved the way for Indonesia, says Shin

Wed, 15 Jun, 2022

Beating Kuwait paved the way for Indonesia, says Shin

Kuwait City: Indonesia’s bright start to the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers Group A was key to sealing their return to the competition for the first time since 2007, according to head coach Shin Tae-yong.

Team Garuda stunned Kuwait 2-1 in the opening match, a result that eventually proved the difference as they finished three points ahead of the hosts to seal one of the five best runners-up spots and qualify alongside group winners Jordan.

Qualification was confirmed on the final matchday with a 7-0 triumph over Nepal to help Indonesia pip Group B runners-up the Philippines to the final spot in the Continental showpiece. 

Stimac: India lived up to expectations

Wed, 15 Jun, 2022

Stimac: India lived up to expectations

Kolkata: Igor Stimac hailed his team’s continually improving performances throughout the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers Final Round
as India closed out Group D with a 4-0 win over Hong Kong in Kolkata on Tuesday that sealed top spot and a berth at the Finals.

Anwar Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Glan Martins and Ishan Pandita were all on target as the hosts claimed a third consecutive victory to finish on top of the standings with maximum points ahead of Hong Kong as both teams secured tickets for the Finals.