The Asian Cup football tournament remains on track to take place in Saudi Arabia early next year, local organisers have insisted, despite the Asian Tour postponing the Saudi International golf event indefinitely after a series of attacks on Riyadh.
The Houthi group in Yemen claimed responsibility for the deadliest attack, which occurred on Saturday at Riyadh International Airport. The incident killed 14 people and injured more than 300 others.
Australia also withdrew its team from the road cycling world championships on Friday, citing safety concerns over travel to Riyadh, where the event was scheduled for early November.
The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament in Riyadh had previously been moved from October to December, while FIFA on Thursday postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 esports tournament in Jeddah to an unspecified future date.
Against that backdrop, serious questions have been raised over whether the 24-team Asian Cup can still go ahead in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February.
Three Saudi Pro League matches, including Al-Nassr's fixture with Cristiano Ronaldo, were postponed this week. Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League match on Monday was also delayed by an hour after Saudi Civil Defence said it had intercepted a missile fired towards Riyadh.
AFC president Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said earlier this week that the continental championship could be postponed until 2028 if necessary, but local organisers stressed on Friday that they remained committed to the original schedule.
"Preparations across all organisational and operational areas are progressing in line with the approved plan, including venue, infrastructure and support services," the organisers said in a statement.
The organisers "will continue to monitor developments related to the tournament and ensure the appropriate conditions for its successful staging".
Attacks in Saudi Arabia disrupt sporting calendar
The $5 million Saudi International, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is the Asian Tour's flagship event and had been scheduled for Riyadh Golf Club from 18 to 21 November.
"The decision to postpone follows an assessment of the organisational and logistical challenges involved in hosting the tournament, as well as ensuring the event is delivered in line with its international standing," the Asian Tour said in a statement.
AusCycling said its decision to withdraw the Australian team from the road cycling world championships was made "with the highest priority being the safety and wellbeing of athletes and staff".
The Australian government is advising travellers to "reconsider" trips to Saudi Arabia in general and to Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport in particular "due to recent security incidents".
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sport through the PIF in recent years, and the Asian Cup is seen as an early dress rehearsal for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
