The AFC Asian Cup 2027 is set to be one of the biggest football tournaments in Asian football history. Hosted by Saudi Arabia, the competition will bring together 24 of the continent’s best national teams for a month of high-level international football. Fans around the world are already searching for the latest AFC Asian Cup 2027 fixtures and standings, including group schedules, match dates, teams, venues, knockout-stage fixtures, and qualification scenarios.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from 7 January to 5 February 2027, with Saudi Arabia hosting the competition for the first time. The official match schedule has already been unveiled, while the Final Draw has determined the six groups for the tournament. Kick-off times are being finalized and will be updated by the AFC.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 fixtures and standings, including the group-stage format, confirmed teams, important match dates, knockout-stage schedule, qualification rules, and how the standings table will work once the tournament begins.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Tournament Dates
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 will officially begin on 7 January 2027 and conclude with the final on 5 February 2027.
The tournament will run for approximately one month and feature a total of 51 matches.
Important Tournament Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening Match | 7 January 2027 |
| Group Stage | 7–21 January 2027 |
| Round of 16 | 22–25 January 2027 |
| Quarter-finals | 28–29 January 2027 |
| Semi-finals | 2–3 February 2027 |
| Final | 5 February 2027 |
The official AFC schedule confirms the tournament dates and match structure. Exact kick-off times are subject to final confirmation and updates from the AFC.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Groups
The Final Draw held in Riyadh in May 2026 divided the 24 participating teams into six groups, with four teams in each group.
The six groups are:
Group A
- Saudi Arabia
- Uzbekistan
- Iran
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
Correction: The above list is not a group; the actual group allocations are presented below.
Official Group Stage Allocation
The confirmed group allocation is:
Group A
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Palestine
Group B
- Uzbekistan
- Bahrain
- DPR Korea
- Jordan
Group C
- Iran
- Syria
- Kyrgyz Republic
- China PR
Group D
- Australia
- Tajikistan
- Iraq
- Singapore
Group E
- Korea Republic
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Group F
- Japan
- Qatar
- Thailand
- Indonesia
The Final Draw produced six groups of four teams each, setting up an exciting group stage featuring several traditional Asian football powers and emerging national teams.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group A Fixtures
Group A features host nation Saudi Arabia, along with Kuwait, Oman, and Palestine.
The opening match of the tournament will see Saudi Arabia take on Palestine on 7 January 2027.
Group A Schedule
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 7 January | Saudi Arabia vs Palestine |
| 8 January | Kuwait vs Oman |
| 12 January | Saudi Arabia vs Oman |
| 12 January | Palestine vs Kuwait |
| 16 January | Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait |
| 16 January | Oman vs Palestine |
Saudi Arabia will be under considerable pressure as the host nation. Playing in front of home supporters could give the team an advantage, but the group also contains opponents capable of producing difficult matches.
The host nation’s opening fixture against Palestine is expected to attract significant global attention as it officially launches the 2027 Asian Cup.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group B Fixtures
Group B includes Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea, and Jordan.
This group could produce some highly competitive matches because all four teams have experience in Asian international football.
Group B Schedule
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 7 January | Uzbekistan vs Jordan |
| 8 January | Bahrain vs DPR Korea |
| 11 January | Uzbekistan vs DPR Korea |
| 11 January | Jordan vs Bahrain |
| 15 January | Uzbekistan vs Bahrain |
| 15 January | DPR Korea vs Jordan |
The battle for the top two positions could be intense. Goal difference and head-to-head results may become important if teams finish level on points.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group C Fixtures
Group C contains:
- Iran
- Syria
- Kyrgyz Republic
- China PR
Iran will be one of the teams expected to compete strongly for qualification from this group.
Group C Schedule
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 8 January | Iran vs China PR |
| 9 January | Syria vs Kyrgyz Republic |
| 12 January | Iran vs Kyrgyz Republic |
| 12 January | China PR vs Syria |
| 16 January | Iran vs Syria |
| 16 January | Kyrgyz Republic vs China PR |
Iran’s experience could make them one of the favorites to finish near the top of Group C. However, Syria, Kyrgyz Republic, and China PR will all be looking to challenge for qualification.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group D Fixtures
Group D features:
- Australia
- Tajikistan
- Iraq
- Singapore
Australia enters the tournament as one of the established football powers in Asia.
Group D Schedule
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 8 January | Australia vs Singapore |
| 9 January | Tajikistan vs Iraq |
| 13 January | Australia vs Iraq |
| 13 January | Singapore vs Tajikistan |
| 17 January | Australia vs Tajikistan |
| 17 January | Iraq vs Singapore |
Australia will be expected to challenge for first place, but Iraq and Tajikistan could make the group competitive.
Singapore will aim to make an impact against more experienced opponents.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group E Fixtures
Group E is one of the most interesting groups of the tournament.
It features:
- Korea Republic
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Group E Schedule
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 9 January | Korea Republic vs Vietnam |
| 10 January | United Arab Emirates vs Yemen |
| 13 January | Korea Republic vs United Arab Emirates |
| 13 January | Vietnam vs Yemen |
| 17 January | Korea Republic vs Yemen |
| 17 January | United Arab Emirates vs Vietnam |
South Korea will be one of the major favorites in this group. However, the UAE and Vietnam are capable of producing competitive performances.
Yemen will also be hoping to make an impact after qualifying for the tournament.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group F Fixtures
Group F contains:
- Japan
- Qatar
- Thailand
- Indonesia
Japan is one of the strongest teams in Asian football and will enter the competition as one of the leading contenders.
Group F Schedule
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| 9 January | Japan vs Indonesia |
| 10 January | Qatar vs Thailand |
| 14 January | Japan vs Thailand |
| 14 January | Indonesia vs Qatar |
| 18 January | Japan vs Qatar |
| 18 January | Thailand vs Indonesia |
The Japan vs Qatar match could be particularly important in determining the final Group F standings.
Indonesia and Thailand will be looking to challenge the established teams and potentially secure qualification for the knockout stage.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Standings
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 standings will be updated throughout the group stage as teams play their matches.
Each group will contain four teams, with every team playing three group-stage matches.
The standard points system is:
- Win = 3 points
- Draw = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
The team with the most points will normally occupy first place.
If two or more teams finish level on points, the competition regulations will determine the applicable tie-breakers.
Fans should follow the official AFC competition regulations and match updates for the precise ranking criteria used during the tournament.
How Teams Qualify for the Knockout Stage
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 will have 24 participating teams divided into six groups.
The qualification system allows:
- The top two teams from each group to advance
- The four best third-placed teams to advance
This means a total of 16 teams will qualify for the Round of 16.
The group-stage standings will therefore be extremely important.
A team could potentially finish third and still qualify if its record is strong enough compared with third-placed teams in the other groups.
This format creates additional excitement during the final round of group matches because teams may still have a chance to advance even after finishing outside the top two.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Round of 16 Fixtures
The Round of 16 is scheduled to take place between 22 and 25 January 2027.
The exact matchups will depend on the final group standings.
The structure includes fixtures such as:
- 1st Group A vs 2nd Group B
- 1st Group B vs 2nd Group A
- 1st Group C vs 2nd Group D
- 1st Group D vs 2nd Group C
- 1st Group E vs 2nd Group F
- 1st Group F vs 2nd Group E
The remaining Round of 16 fixtures will involve the four best third-placed teams.
Because these positions cannot be known until the group stage is completed, the exact knockout fixtures will be determined later.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Quarter-final Fixtures
The quarter-finals are scheduled for 28 and 29 January 2027.
Eight teams will compete for four places in the semi-finals.
At this stage, there is no room for mistakes.
A single defeat will eliminate a team from the tournament.
The quarter-finals could feature major football nations such as:
- Japan
- South Korea
- Iran
- Australia
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
However, the final lineup will depend on the group-stage and Round of 16 results.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Semi-final Fixtures
The semi-finals are scheduled for 2 and 3 February 2027.
Four teams will remain at this stage.
The winners will qualify for the grand final, while the losing teams will see their championship dreams come to an end.
The semi-finals are expected to attract a huge global television and streaming audience.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 final is scheduled for 5 February 2027.
The final will determine the new champion of Asian football.
The tournament’s opening match and final are scheduled as major events in the competition calendar, with the opening fixture between Saudi Arabia and Palestine confirmed for 7 January.
The final is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events in the region.
Fans around the world will watch to see which team lifts the AFC Asian Cup trophy.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Venues
The tournament will be hosted across three major Saudi Arabian cities:
- Riyadh
- Jeddah
- Al Khobar
The official schedule includes venues such as:
- King Fahd Sports City Stadium
- King Saud University Stadium
- Kingdom Arena
- Imam Mohammed Bin Saud University Stadium
- Al Shabab Stadium
- King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
- Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium
- Aramco Stadium
The venues vary in size and are located across the three host cities.
The King Fahd Sports City Stadium is listed with a capacity of approximately 72,000 and is scheduled to host major matches, while other stadiums provide modern facilities for teams and spectators.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Standings: Why They Matter
The standings table is one of the most important parts of the tournament.
Fans will regularly check the table to determine:
- Which teams are leading their groups
- Which teams are close to qualification
- Which teams are eliminated
- Which teams can qualify as third-place teams
- Which teams are likely to meet in the knockout stage
The final group matchdays will be particularly exciting.
A team that wins its final match could move from third place to first place, while another team could drop out of the tournament because of goal difference.
This is why fans should follow the standings after every match.
Teams to Watch in AFC Asian Cup 2027
Several teams are expected to attract significant attention.
Japan
Japan has consistently been one of Asia’s strongest national teams.
Known for technical quality, disciplined tactics, and a large pool of players competing internationally, Japan will be among the teams expected to challenge for the title.
South Korea
South Korea has a long history of success in Asian football.
The team combines experienced international players with emerging talent and will aim to go deep into the knockout stage.
Iran
Iran remains one of the traditional powerhouses of Asian football.
Their physical strength, tactical organization, and experience make them a difficult opponent.
Australia
Australia has become a major force in Asian football since joining the AFC.
The team will be expected to compete for the title and could be a serious contender in the knockout rounds.
Saudi Arabia
The host nation will have the support of home fans.
Saudi Arabia will be determined to perform strongly on home soil and could benefit from familiarity with the conditions and venues.
Qatar
Qatar has enjoyed significant success in recent Asian competitions.
The team will enter the tournament hoping to challenge the continent’s traditional powerhouses.
How to Follow AFC Asian Cup 2027 Fixtures and Standings Online
Fans who want the latest information should follow official AFC sources.
The official AFC platforms provide:
- Match schedules
- Results
- Group standings
- Team information
- Match reports
- Highlights
- Tournament news
The official AFC Asian Cup page is the best place to check for schedule updates and tournament information.
Fans should also check official broadcasters for live match coverage and streaming availability in their respective countries.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Fixtures and Standings for Indian Fans
Indian football supporters can follow the tournament through official AFC platforms and authorized broadcasters.
Fans searching for:
- AFC Asian Cup 2027 fixtures India
- AFC Asian Cup 2027 standings
- Asian Cup 2027 schedule
- Asian Cup 2027 points table
- AFC Asian Cup 2027 live scores
should check official sources regularly.
Because match kick-off times may be displayed in Saudi Arabia local time, Indian viewers should convert them to Indian Standard Time (IST) when planning to watch live.
Streaming availability should also be checked with the official rights holder for India.
How the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Standings Will Change
The standings will change after every match.
For example, if Team A wins its opening match:
- Team A receives 3 points.
- The losing team receives 0 points.
If Team B and Team C draw:
- Team B receives 1 point.
- Team C receives 1 point.
After three matches, the standings will determine which teams qualify.
The final table could look like:
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team A | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
| 2 | Team B | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +2 | 6 |
| 3 | Team C | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Team D | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -6 | 0 |
This is only an example of how the table may appear; match results will determine the actual 2027 standings.
Why the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Fixtures Are Important
The fixtures determine the entire path to the championship.
A favorable group-stage schedule can help a team build momentum, while a difficult opening match can immediately put pressure on a team’s qualification campaign.
The order of matches also matters.
A team that wins its first two matches may qualify before its final game, allowing the coach to rotate players.
On the other hand, teams that lose their opening matches may need to win their remaining fixtures to stay alive.
This makes every match important.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Fixture Updates
The official schedule has already been released, but fans should remember that tournament organizers can make adjustments.
The AFC competition regulations state that the AFC General Secretariat determines the match schedule following the relevant draws and retains discretion to amend the schedule.
Changes could potentially involve:
- Kick-off times
- Venue arrangements
- Matchday logistics
- Broadcast requirements
Therefore, fans should always check the latest official schedule before making travel plans or finalizing viewing arrangements.
Final Conclusion
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 Fixtures and Standings will be closely followed by millions of football fans worldwide. The tournament will begin on 7 January 2027, with the final scheduled for 5 February 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four. The group stage will determine the 16 teams that advance to the knockout rounds, with the top two teams from each group joined by the four best third-placed teams.
The group-stage fixtures are already mapped out, while the exact Round of 16 matchups will depend on the final standings. The knockout stage will then continue through the quarter-finals and semi-finals before the championship match on 5 February.
The tournament features some of Asia’s biggest football nations, including Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, while several other teams will be looking to produce surprise results.
For fans, following the AFC Asian Cup 2027 fixtures, results, points tables, and standings will be the best way to understand how the competition develops. The group standings will change after every match, and the final rankings will determine the teams that advance to the knockout stage.
With Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament and 51 matches scheduled across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, the AFC Asian Cup 2027 promises to be a spectacular celebration of Asian football.
As the tournament approaches, fans should follow the official AFC website for the latest fixture changes, confirmed kick-off times, results, and live standings. The official schedule and group allocations are already available, while the live standings will begin to take shape once the first matches are played on 7 January 2027.
FAQs – AFC Asian Cup 2027 Fixtures and Standings
1. When will the AFC Asian Cup 2027 start?
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 is scheduled to begin on 7 January 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
2. When will the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final be played?
The final is scheduled to take place on 5 February 2027.
3. How many teams will participate in the AFC Asian Cup 2027?
A total of 24 national teams will compete in the tournament.
4. How many groups are there in the AFC Asian Cup 2027?
The 24 teams are divided into six groups, with four teams in each group.
5. How many teams qualify for the knockout stage?
The top two teams from each group automatically qualify, along with the four best third-placed teams, making 16 teams in the Round of 16.
6. How are points awarded in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 standings?
A team receives 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.
7. Where can I check the AFC Asian Cup 2027 fixtures?
You can check the latest official fixtures and schedule through the official AFC platforms and authorized broadcasters.
8. Where can I find the AFC Asian Cup 2027 live standings?
The live group standings will be updated as matches are played. Fans can follow the official AFC website and authorized sports platforms for the latest points tables and results.
9. Which cities will host AFC Asian Cup 2027 matches?
The tournament will be hosted in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia.
10. How many matches will be played in the AFC Asian Cup 2027?
The tournament will feature 51 matches, including group-stage and knockout-stage games.
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