The local organizing committee for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup announced the completion of all preparations and the readiness of the stadiums hosting the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship, which will be held in Riyadh and Jeddah. This step comes as part of the final preparations for this important continental event, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 6 to 24, with the participation of 16 of Asia's top national teams.
Host stadiums and technical facilities
The development and upgrade works included four main stadiums that will host the upcoming matches: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium and Al-Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh, as well as Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium and the reserve stadium at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. All technical and operational work was completed to a high standard to comply with the stringent requirements and standards adopted by the Asian Football Confederation.
The preparations included comprehensive improvements, most notably upgrading the stadium pitches with the latest global technologies and expanding the stands at the King Abdullah Sports City's auxiliary stadium to accommodate larger crowds. Advanced security and logistical plans were also implemented, including designated entry and exit routes for fans, to ensure smooth traffic flow and provide a safe and enjoyable fan experience both inside and outside the stadiums.
A real rehearsal for the 2027 Asian Cup
Hosting this tournament holds immense strategic importance, as the organizing committee has emphasized that the AFC U-23 Asian Cup represents a key milestone and a practical test in the preparations for hosting the larger event, the AFC Asian Cup (2027). This tournament is considered an ideal opportunity to assess the infrastructure, human resources, and operational plans a year before the main tournament, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to delivering an exceptional edition of the continental championships.
The context of the sports renaissance in the Kingdom
This hosting comes within the context of the comprehensive sports renaissance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing as part of the goals of Vision 2030, which has made the Kingdom a preferred global destination for major sporting events. Saudi Arabia has recently succeeded in hosting several major events such as the FIFA Club World Cup, the Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and Formula 1 races, accumulating tremendous organizational experience for its national workforce.
The local organizing committee, in cooperation with relevant authorities, conducted a series of operational trials and intensive field tests at the host stadiums to ensure the efficiency of the systems and enhance coordination among the working teams to guarantee the highest levels of readiness. The completion of the stadiums reflects the remarkable development in sports infrastructure and demonstrates the Kingdom's ability to host continental and international championships according to the highest professional standards.
