Saudi Arabia to kick off 2027 Asian Cup against Palestine in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia will kick off next year's Asian Cup against Palestine in Riyadh ​on January 7, the Asian Football ‌Confederation (AFC) said on Monday after confirming the tournament schedule and venues.

The 24-team continental championship will run ​from January 7 to February 5, ​with the opening match and final both ⁠scheduled at Riyadh's King Fahd Sports City ​Stadium.

• The tournament remains under scrutiny amid regional security ​concerns. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa earlier said that postponement to 2028 remained a possibility ​if required.
• The tournament will feature 51 matches ​across eight stadiums in three cities: Riyadh (five venues), Jeddah (two) ‌and ⁠Al Khobar (one).
• Defending champions Qatar begin their title defence against Thailand on January 11, while Japan open their campaign against Indonesia the ​same day.
• South ​Korea face ⁠Yemen, Australia take on Singapore and Iran meet China in their ​opening matches.
• The group stage concludes on ​January ⁠20, with the knockout rounds beginning on January 22.
• Saudi Arabia will host the Asian ⁠Cup ​for the first time, seven ​years before it stages the 2034 World Cup.