The 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia was postponed because of the conflict in the Middle East, in a decision justified by the exceptional circumstances in the region, with logistical complexities and travel disruptions, according to the AFC organizing committee.

The tournament, scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, moves to December 23, 2027 to January 21, 2028, and other events in the country were canceled, among them the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition in Riyadh. In October, a missile attack by Yemen’s Houthis against Riyadh airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300.