Football Australia has confirmed its support for the Asian Football Confederation's decision to reschedule the 2027 Asian Cup. The tournament will now be held from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, pending FIFA approval, moving from its original January 2027 start date in Riyadh.
Chairman Anter Isaac stated the governing body's position clearly. "Football Australia supports the AFC’s decision to reschedule the AFC Asian Cup," Isaac said.
The AFC cited 'exceptional circumstances' and 'substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions' for the 11-month postponement. Regional conflict has seen attacks on Saudi Arabian cities, including Riyadh, since September.
Planning adjustments
Executive Director of Football Heather Garriock acknowledged the shift will require changes to the Socceroos' preparation timeline. "While the change in dates will require adjustments to our planning, our focus remains on ensuring the CommBank Socceroos are fully prepared to compete for the AFC Asian Cup," Garriock said. She noted the new calendar means Australia's 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign, starting in September 2027, will now precede the continental tournament.
Australia's immediate schedule is unaffected. The team will proceed with its planned international friendlies away to Qatar on November 13 and Jordan later this month. These matches come after a recent pair of friendlies against Brazil, which yielded a draw and a 4-2 defeat last month.
The Socceroos, who won the Asian Cup as hosts in 2015, have been drawn in Group D for the 2027 edition alongside Singapore, Iraq and Tajikistan. It will be their sixth appearance in the competition. The squad's current form shows one draw and one loss from its last two outings, a run of zero wins, one draw and one defeat. The team's next fixture is the friendly against Qatar on Saturday 13 November. The upcoming match in Qatar provides an immediate focus as the team looks to build form following its recent results, a 1-1 draw on 25 September 2026 and the 4-2 loss four days later.
Background and full detail: CommBank Socceroos
