AFC Asian Cup 2027: Dates, Groups and Venues
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, 7 January to 5 February: 24 teams in six groups, the round of 16 from 22 January, and the final at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh — with every group.
By MatchCountdown Editorial · Updated October 2026
The short answer
The 2027 AFC Asian Cup is played in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February 2027. It opens with Saudi Arabia against Palestine at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh on 7 January at 20:00 local time, and the final is at the same stadium on Friday 5 February.
Qatar are the two-time defending champions, after winning in 2019 and 2023.
Format and dates
Twenty-four teams play in six groups of four. The top two of each group and the four best third-placed teams go through to the round of 16. The group stage runs to 20 January; the round of 16 is on 22–25 January, the quarter-finals on 28–29 January, and the semi-finals on 1 February at Aramco Stadium in Khobar and 2 February at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The groups
Group A: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine. Group B: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea, Jordan. Group C: Iran, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, China. Group D: Australia, Tajikistan, Iraq, Singapore. Group E: South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen. Group F: Japan, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia.
Venues and time zone
Eight stadiums in three cities host the tournament: five in Riyadh, led by King Fahd Sports City Stadium, two in Jeddah and the new Aramco Stadium in Khobar. Saudi Arabia is on UTC+3 all year — the same time as Türkiye, three hours ahead of the UK and two ahead of Central Europe in January — so the 20:00 opener is 17:00 in London and 18:00 in Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2027 Asian Cup?
From 7 January to 5 February 2027, in Saudi Arabia.
Where is the 2027 Asian Cup final?
At King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, on 5 February 2027.
How many teams qualify from each group?
The top two, plus the four best third-placed teams across the six groups, for a round of 16.
Who won the last Asian Cup?
Qatar, who also won in 2019.
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