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The AFC moved Saudi Arabia 2027 from January 7 to December 23, 2027–January 21, 2028. Perfect-record sides Iran, Qatar and Iraq look best placed to use the extra year. Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia are the ones to beat.
Kicks off in 63 days · 7 Jan
On November 3, 2026 the AFC confirmed the move, citing exceptional regional circumstances and logistical and travel disruption. Teams gain nearly a year to prepare, and clubs avoid a January 2027 absence but face one a year later.
Iran, Qatar and Iraq each won all three matches last time, with goal differences of +5, +5 and +4. The delay gives rivals longer to catch them, but the three arrive as the sides to beat.
