Rising Concerns Ahead of Asian Cup: Will Japan Withdraw?

Less than three months before the start of the 2027 Asian Cup, security concerns in Saudi Arabia have become a serious crisis.

Less than three months before the start of the Asian Nations Cup 2027, security concerns in Saudi Arabia have turned into a serious crisis.

Less than three months are left until the start of the 2027 Asian Football Nations Cup. Currently, security concerns have increased in the host country. While the Guardian newspaper reported, "After the missile attack in Riyadh, new security concerns have been raised about the 2027 Asian Nations Cup in Saudi Arabia," a Japanese media outlet has also mentioned the possibility of the country withdrawing from the Nations Cup.

Of the eight AFC Asian Cup stadiums, five are located in Riyadh, and the opening match - between host Saudi Arabia and Palestine - and the final will be held in Riyadh.

In relation to this issue, the Japan Football Federation has announced its withdrawal from participating in the 2026 FIFA Electronic World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, the Australian Football Federation announced that it is closely monitoring the situation of hosting the 2027 Asian Nations Cup.

The South Korean Chosun site also reported that it is unlikely that the AFC would have the desire to deprive Saudi Arabia of hosting rights and move the tournament to another country in a short period of time, but a more likely scenario if the conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis does not subside in the coming months is that the Asian Cup will be held a year later.