Saudi Arabia's Security Concerns Cast Shadow Over 2027 Asian Cup Hosting, Warns Japan Football Chief

The escalating security situation in Saudi Arabia is casting significant doubt on the nation's ability to host the 2027 Asian Cup as originally planned, according to Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto. This warning comes as several major sporting events in the Kingdom have faced cancellations or postponements due to escalating attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis. These security concerns raise questions about the feasibility of the continental tournament, slated to run from January 7 to February 5 next year.

"Based on what I’ve learned from the news, the situation is still unsafe, so at this point, I don’t think it would be easy to hold the [Asian] Cup there," Miyamoto informed reporters at the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) extraordinary congress in Tokyo. He added, "I just had a meeting with the Saudi side and they said that their top priority is the safety of the players, the fans, and everyone who would be attending the tournament." Miyamoto further stated that the Saudis indicated they would collaborate with the AFC to determine the tournament's future, acknowledging that this decision would require time.

Last week, Asian football chief Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa mentioned that a postponement until 2028 was a potential option if deemed necessary. However, the local organising committee (LOC) has since affirmed its commitment to the original schedule. A statement from the LOC indicated, "Preparations across all organisational and operational areas are progressing according to the approved schedule, including work on venues, facilities and supporting services." The statement also noted, "(The LOC) will continue to monitor developments relevant to the tournament and ensure the appropriate conditions are in place for its successful delivery."

Recent events have highlighted the security challenges. Earlier this month, golf’s Asian Tour postponed the Saudi International indefinitely, and the cycling’s Urban World Championships were cancelled following a deadly attack on Riyadh’s international airport that resulted in at least 12 fatalities and over 300 injuries. Other sporting events have also experienced disruptions. The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament in Riyadh was rescheduled from October to December, and FIFA postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 video game competition in Jeddah to an unspecified date.

The Saudi government has made substantial investments in sports through its Public Investment Fund (PIF) in recent years, with the Asian Cup envisioned as a preliminary event for their bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.