Saudi Arabia Unveils Big Sports Calendar for 2026-2027

Saudi Arabia has set out an expanded international sports and esports calendar spanning 2026 and 2027, headlined by three major events that will draw fans and competitors to the Kingdom's largest cities.

The Esports World Cup returns to Riyadh from July 6 to August 23, 2026, with a prize pool of US$75 million. The multi-week competition brings together top players and teams across leading game titles for one of the biggest tournaments on the global esports calendar.

Football takes centre stage in early 2027, when the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 runs from January 7 to February 5. The tournament will feature 24 national teams playing 51 matches across three host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.

The Kingdom has also been confirmed as host of the Olympic Esports Games 2027, marking another milestone in Saudi Arabia's growing role in competitive gaming. Detailed dates, venues, and ticketing information for that event have not yet been released.

What else is planned

Beyond these flagship events, the 2026 calendar also includes Formula 1, LIV Golf Riyadh, tennis, boxing, and Saudi Pro League fixtures. Exact dates, venues, and ticket prices for these events had not been announced at the time of writing.

For residents and visitors, the packed lineup means more live sport and entertainment on their doorstep, alongside expected boosts to hospitality, tourism, and local businesses in the host cities. Saudi Living will share confirmed dates, venue details, and ticketing steps for each event as official information becomes available.

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