Saudi Arabia wins the right to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup

The Asian Football Confederation announced that Saudi Arabia will host the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in its history in 2027. Saudi Arabia received 43 votes out of 45, while Palestine and Turkmenistan abstained from voting.

Saudi Arabia will host the AFC Asian Cup finals for the first time in its history in 2027, according to what the Asian Football Confederation announced on Wednesday during the 33rd General Assembly meeting in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

This decision was expected as its file remained alone in the race after the withdrawal of Uzbekistan, Iran and India, while Qatar was excluded due to hosting the next edition in early 2024.

"We are excited to present the best edition in the history of the tournament," said Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal.

He added that this hosting received the full "support" of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, adding, "The kingdom is transforming before our eyes, and we are full of enthusiasm for what it will be like in 2027."

Saudi Arabia received 43 votes out of 45, while Palestine and Turkmenistan abstained from voting.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has invested hundreds of millions in sports deals including the acquisition of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Nasr Club, a Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah and football matches for Europe's most prestigious clubs.

In the coming years, Saudi Arabia will host the Women's Asian Cup, the Asian Games, and even the Asian Winter Games on artificial snow.

It is also preparing to submit a joint file, along with Egypt and Greece, to host the 2030 World Cup.

"I am sure that Saudi Arabia will host a wonderful edition of the Asian Cup in 2027," said Swiss Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA).

The continental championship will be held for the third time in a row in the Arabian Gulf, after it was hosted by the UAE in 2019.

It will be the first hosting of Saudi Arabia, the defending champion three times, for the finals, which began in 1956.