The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially confirmed the match schedule for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, putting an end to speculation regarding potential delays or venue changes. The tournament, featuring 24 nations, is set to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, with the Indonesian national team slated for three challenging Group F fixtures.
Indonesia Faces Tough Group F Schedule
The draw for the 19th edition of the tournament places Indonesia in a competitive Group F alongside Japan, reigning champions Qatar, and regional rivals Thailand. According to ANTARA News, the Indonesian squad will begin its campaign on January 11, 2027, against Japan at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City in Jeddah. The match is scheduled for 17:30 WIB.
The intensity of the group stage continues on January 16 when Indonesia faces Qatar at the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, with a late kick-off set for 23:30 WIB. The group stage concludes on January 20 with a match against Thailand, returning to the 17:30 WIB slot at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, as detailed by CNN Indonesia.
AFC Confirms Tournament Timeline Despite Airport Incidents
The announcement follows weeks of uncertainty regarding the stability of the host region. Reports of incidents affecting the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had previously raised questions about the viability of the original schedule. However, Kompas notes that the AFC and local organizers have maintained that preparations are proceeding as planned. Operational status at the affected airport returned to normal on October 18, and the AFC has confirmed that these regional developments have not altered the tournament timeline.
The tournament will utilize eight stadiums across three cities: five in Riyadh, two in Jeddah, and one in Al Khobar. The decision to finalize the schedule was driven by the need to meet international broadcasting requirements, optimize commercial interest, and enhance the overall experience for supporters attending the matches.
Structure of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup
The competition begins with an opening match between Saudi Arabia and Palestine on January 7 at the King Fahd Sports City in Riyadh. Following the conclusion of the group stage on January 20, the tournament will transition to the knockout phase. The Round of 16 is scheduled for January 22–25, followed by the quarterfinals on January 28 and 29, and the semifinals on February 1 and 2. The final match is set for February 5 at the King Fahd Sports City, where a new champion will be crowned, or Qatar will defend their title.
Where Indonesia Plays and How Teams Advance?
Where will the Indonesian national team play its group stage matches?
Indonesia will play two matches in Jeddah—against Japan at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City and against Thailand at the King Abdullah Sports City—and one match against Qatar at the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar.
What happens if a team finishes third in the group?
The tournament format allows for the top two teams from each of the six groups to advance, along with the four best third-placed teams, to fill the 16 slots for the knockout stage.
Was there any official consideration to move the tournament?
While there were public questions regarding the potential for a delay until 2028 due to regional security concerns, the AFC and the Saudi local organizing committee confirmed in mid-October that preparations remain on schedule for the original January 2027 start date.
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