Saudi Arabia has confirmed that the 2027 AFC Asian Cup will proceed as planned, opening in Riyadh on January 7, 2027, with the final on February 5, despite ongoing attacks and instability in the country and region. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the schedule on Monday, with the opening match featuring host Saudi Arabia against Palestine. This follows the Dakar Rally's decision to move its 2027 event out of Saudi Arabia due to regional conditions, and concerns previously raised by Japan Football Association officials regarding the safety of the Asian Cup.