Saudi Arabia hosts the 2027 Asian Cup for the first time: 24 teams chasing the continental crown. The format, cities, the Green Falcons' chances and all you need to know.
Saudi Arabia hosts the 2027 AFC Asian Cup for the first time in its history, with 24 teams chasing the continent's most coveted crown — a grand rehearsal before the 2034 World Cup on the same soil.
A historic hosting
Saudi Arabia officially won the hosting rights from the AFC, adding the tournament to the run of major events coming to the Kingdom under Vision 2030: Khaleeji 27, the 2027 Asian Cup, then the 2034 World Cup. It is set for early 2027 at modern stadiums in the Kingdom's biggest cities, led by Riyadh and Jeddah.
Tournament format
The 24 teams are split into six groups of four: the top two of each group plus the four best third-placed sides reach the round of 16, then the knockouts run to the final. A format that gives rising nations a chance and keeps the giants under pressure from round one — read our complete Asian Cup guide for the tournament's history.
The Green Falcons' chances: a title missing since 1996
Saudi Arabia is among the continent's most decorated Asian Cup sides, but its last title dates to 1996. Hosting at home, before its own fans, gives today's generation — a blend of Saudi Pro League stars and professionals — its best chance in decades to end the wait.
The main contenders
The favourites are led by Japan, the most-crowned in Asia, and Qatar, winners of the last two editions, alongside South Korea, Iran and Australia — Asia's traditional powers who make any road to the final a hard one.
Follow the tournament on Shahid Live
From the draw to the final: kickoff times in Saudi time, live scores, standings and top scorers — all on Shahid Live, with instant alerts for the Green Falcons' matches.
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