2027 Asian Cup Officially Postponed to December, Saudi Arabia Remains Host
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- AFC memastikan Piala Asia 2027 bergeser dari Januari ke 23 Desember 2027–21 Januari 2028, dengan Arab Saudi tetap sebagai penyelenggara.
- Penundaan dipicu situasi keamanan dan logistik di kawasan, termasuk insiden di Bandara Riyadh, yang membuat jadwal awal tidak layak dilanjutkan.
- Timnas Indonesia yang sudah lolos harus menyesuaikan rencana persiapan, sementara jadwal baru menunggu restu FIFA.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has decided that the 2027 Asian Cup will still be held in Saudi Arabia, but its schedule has been pushed back by nearly a year from the original plan. The tournament, originally set for 7 January–5 February 2027, is now scheduled for 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028, according to an official AFC statement on Tuesday (3/11/2026). The decision is a blow to teams that had drawn up long-term training programs, including Indonesia.
The postponement was taken after the AFC consulted with the Saudi Arabia 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). In its statement, the AFC cited an “extraordinary situation” in the region affecting the hosting, particularly logistical complexity and travel disruption. An attack incident at Riyadh International Airport some time ago was cited as one of the considerations, although the AFC did not elaborate further. The new schedule must still be submitted to FIFA for approval.
For Indonesia, the decision changes the preparation map for the national team, the Garuda squad. The team under coach John Herdman has already secured a place in the finals and been drawn into a group determined by the AFC draw. With the tournament pushed back, preparation time increases, but it also requires adjustments to the domestic competition calendar and training camp programs. The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has not yet issued an official comment on the impact of the postponement.
In its official statement, the AFC stressed that the postponement was made in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators, and stakeholders. “The extraordinary situation has affected the hosting and delivery of the competition according to the original schedule, making this postponement necessary,” the AFC said. The confederation also appreciated SAFF and the LOC for their commitment, and promised to minimize the impact of the postponement on sponsors, broadcast partners, and fans.
“The AFC will continue to work closely with the LOC, participating member associations, sponsors, broadcast and commercial partners, and all stakeholders to deliver an event that reflects the status and operational excellence that are the hallmark of Asia's most prestigious men's national team competition.” — AFC
The postponement also raises questions about Saudi Arabia's suitability as host amid regional security dynamics. Riyadh was previously the site of an incident that disrupted international flights. Nevertheless, the AFC chose to keep Saudi Arabia rather than move the tournament, a signal that investment and infrastructure factors remain key considerations. The decision also delays Asia's football festival that many countries have been awaiting.
From a competition standpoint, the new schedule stretching into early 2028 could clash with domestic league calendars in a number of countries, including Indonesia. The 2027-2028 Liga 1 season may have to adjust its schedule so as not to overlap with the finals. PSSI and the league operator need to coordinate promptly to rearrange the agenda, especially since the Indonesian national team will release its players for a longer period.
Going forward, attention is on FIFA's approval and certainty over venues in Saudi Arabia. If the new schedule is approved, participating teams will have extra time to finalize preparations, but will also face logistical uncertainty. For Indonesia, the postponement could be a blessing for squad improvements, provided it is used with careful planning. The question is whether PSSI can turn this momentum into improved performance at the finals.
