AFC Asian Cup 2027: King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia for opener and final

Riyadh’s King Fahd Sport City Stadium will host the opening and closing matches of next year’s Asian Cup, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) officials announced on Monday.

The Asian Cup, scheduled between January 7 and February 5, 2027, will be a dress rehearsal for Saudi Arabia, which will host the World Cup in 2034.

“The King Fahd Sports City Stadium will be the setting for both the highly anticipated final and the opening match, with hosts and three-time Asian champions Saudi Arabia,” the AFC said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur.

The 70,000-plus venue in Riyadh will also host four group stage battles, a round of 16 tie and a quarter-final match before the final in early February, the AFC added.

The stadium is popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin home. It is the largest of the eight venues where the continental tournament is held.

Asian Cup matches will also be played in Jeddah and Al Khobar. Match combinations and kick-off times will be confirmed at the AFC’s final draw on April 11 in Riyadh, the AFC said.

Published on March 2, 2026