Saudi organisers say Asian Cup preparations on track despite attacks

Preparations for next year’s Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia remain on track, local organisers said on Friday, despite uncertainty over sporting events in the kingdom following recent attacks.

The local organising committee said it was still working to the original schedule, with the tournament due to run 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,” it said in a statement.

The committee added that it would continue to monitor developments and ensure the right conditions were in place for the tournament.

Earlier this week, Asian Football Confederation President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said the tournament could be postponed until 2028 if necessary.

A strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Saturday killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.

The attacks have already disrupted the kingdom’s sporting calendar. The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament has been moved from October to December, while FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 on Thursday.