The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, the quadrennial international men's football championship of Asia organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The tournament will involve 24 national teams after the expansion in 2019. It will be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027.
The tournament will return to its usual four-year cycle, after the 2023 edition was postponed to 2024 due to the removal of China as hosts and high summer temperatures in Qatar. This will be the final time the tournament is held on an odd-numbered year, having been so since 2007, as the tournament moves to even-numbered year, last in 2004 due to FIFA concerning a potential revision to the international match calendar.
Qatar are the two-time defending champions.
AFC confirmed the list of member associations expressed their interests to host 2027 Asian Cup before the 30 June 2020 deadline, and they gave their necessary letters of undertaking in November. On 17 October 2022, the AFC Executive Committee announced that the host of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup would be chosen by the AFC Congress at its next meeting on 1 February 2023 in Manama, Bahrain. However, India, one of the last two bidders, withdrew on 5 December leaving Saudi Arabia as the only remaining bidder. On 1 February, the AFC confirmed that Saudi Arabia won the bid and will host the tournament for the first time.
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027. The tournament will be played across eight stadiums in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar.
The first two rounds of qualification acted as part of the Asian qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia, which received automatic qualification for the Asian Cup as host, also participated in the qualifiers to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Northern Mariana Islands, whose football association became the 47th full AFC member during the confederation's 30th Congress on 9 December 2020, was only eligible to enter the qualification tournament for the Asian Cup, but was ultimately excluded.
Singapore has qualified for the first time on merit, having only previously appeared in 1984 as hosts. North Korea returned after missing the previous tournament in 2023, while Kuwait return to the tournament having last appeared in 2015.
Three nations from the previous edition failed to qualify â India, Hong Kong and Malaysia. India and Hong Kong were eliminated by Singapore after respectively placing fourth and second in their third round group. Malaysia was found guilty using falsified eligibility documents and effectively ousted after having two victories being overturned, handing the ticket to its ASEAN competitor Vietnam.
Iran meanwhile extended their qualification record; this was their sixteenth straight appearance in the tournament, having qualified for every edition since 1968.
The draw was originally to be held in Riyadh on 11 April 2026 at the Diriyah Salwa Palace. However, on 25 March 2026, the AFC announced that the draw would be postponed amidst concerns over the 2026 Iran war.
The four best third-placed teams from the six groups advanced to the knockout stage along with the six group winners and six runners-up.
In the knockout stage, extra time and a penalty shoot-out will be used to decide the winner if necessary.
<section end="Bracket" /> All times are local, SAST ().
The official logo was unveiled on 24 January 2026. It consists of a wordmark and a trophy symbol derived from Najdi stepped geometry, an architectural and decorative style native to Saudi Arabia. This geometric form, traditionally found in carved patterns, Al Sadu textiles, and regional ornamentation, is characterized by a stepped structure that emphasizes rhythm and balance. The logo is accompanied by decorative patterns referencing Najdi architectural motifs and traditional Saudi craftsmanship, commonly used in homes and doorways, symbolizing hospitality.
Official Global Partners
Official Global Supporters
The broadcasters around the world that acquired the rights to the tournament included: