2027 AFC Asian Cup postponed to December

Previously, the competition was planned to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027, meaning its start is pushed back by nearly a year. According to the AFC, the decision was made following consultations with the organizing committee and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The confederation and the organizers cited "an emergency situation in the region, severe logistical complexities and disruptions to transport links" as the reasons.

Saudi Arabia retains the right to host the tournament. The organizing committee has already approved the postponement, though the new dates still require ratification by FIFA. No announcements have yet been made regarding changes to host cities or stadiums.

A total of 24 national teams will take part in the tournament, divided into six groups. The Uzbekistan national team, led by Fabio Cannavaro, was drawn into Group B alongside Jordan, the DPRK, and Bahrain. According to the updated schedule cited by Kun.uz, Uzbekistan will play Jordan in Jeddah on December 24, 2027, the DPRK in Riyadh on December 28, and Bahrain back in Jeddah on January 2, 2028.

As Upl.uz reports, information had previously emerged indicating that Cannavaro's contract with the national team runs until October 2027. According to the outlet's assessment, the agreement will need to be extended for the Italian specialist to lead the squad at the tournament.