Riyadh marked a key milestone on September 29, 2026, celebrating 100 days until the start of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, one of the largest football events the Kingdom has hosted. Organizers confirmed that preparations have shifted from the planning phase to full operational readiness.
The tournament will run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, bringing together 24 national teams. Matches will be staged across three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, offering fans in each region the chance to attend games close to home.
The opening match will see Saudi Arabia face Palestine on January 7, 2027, at 8:00 p.m. Saudi time. The game will be held at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, which has a capacity of 72,000 spectators. Organizers also unveiled the official match ball of the tournament, named Khuzama.
Why it matters
For residents and expats across the Kingdom, the Asian Cup means a month of top-tier football on their doorstep, with three host cities spreading the action nationwide. The event is expected to draw visitors from across the continent and put a spotlight on Saudi hospitality, stadiums, and infrastructure.
Sports fans planning to attend are encouraged to follow official channels for updates on match schedules, venues, and ticketing details as the countdown continues. Saudi Living will keep readers informed as more information becomes available in the run-up to kickoff.
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