Riyadh, October 16,2026: Preparations for the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia are proceeding as scheduled for early next year, local organisers said on Friday, despite uncertainty surrounding sporting events in the kingdom following recent attacks.
A strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, described in reports as the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
Asian soccer chief Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said earlier this week that the tournament could be postponed until 2028 if necessary. However, the local organising committee (LOC) said it remained committed to the original schedule, running from January 7 to February 5.
“Preparations across all organisational and operational areas are progressing according to the approved schedule, including work on venues, facilities and supporting services,” the committee said in a statement.
The LOC added that it would continue monitoring developments related to the tournament and ensure appropriate conditions were in place for its successful staging.
The security situation has already prompted changes to Saudi Arabia’s sporting calendar.
The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament has been moved from October to December, while FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation announced on Thursday that the FIFA Finals 2026 had been postponed until an unspecified future date.
Despite these changes, organisers say preparations for the Asian Cup are continuing according to the original timetable.
