On May 11, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and First Vice President of FIFA, expressed strong optimism for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia during an official interview. He described the tournament as a potential “greatest and most influential edition in history” and a key platform to highlight the overall progress and development of Asian football.
Following the group stage draw held in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Salman issued a formal statement via the AFC website. He highlighted the remarkable growth of Asian football in recent years, noting historic expansion in competitive standards, commercial value, and fan base. The AFC has been driving reforms and working closely with member associations to boost the continent’s overall competitiveness.
“Against the backdrop of Asian football’s continuous development, the influence of the game across the continent is growing day by day. The expansion of the fan base, the elevation of professional league standards, and the improvement of youth development systems have all ushered Asian football into a new phase. The AFC is cooperating with member associations to sustain this positive momentum,” Salman said.
He stressed the significance of hosting the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, a country experiencing rapid football growth, and noted that the tournament has been upgraded in both format and scale. Starting from the previous cycle, the Asian Cup expanded to 24 teams, allowing more nations to participate at the highest level, increasing competition intensity and entertainment value.
“The expansion is not merely a numerical change—it reflects the overall enhancement of Asian football’s strength. When more countries stand on Asia’s biggest stage, it proves that our football development is becoming more balanced. We aim to use high-standard organization to make the Asian Cup a source of pride for the entire continent,” Salman added.
Regarding the host nation, Salman praised Saudi Arabia’s massive investments in sports infrastructure, event organization capabilities, and experience in hosting international tournaments. He expressed confidence that the country is well-equipped to stage a top-tier Asian Cup. “Saudi Arabia has advanced stadiums, mature operational systems, and rich experience in hosting major international events. The AFC is in close coordination with the Saudi Football Federation and local organizing committee to jointly create the best Asian Cup ever.”
Salman also addressed the rising status of Asian football on the global stage. He pointed out that nine Asian teams will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a milestone that underscores the continent’s growing competitiveness. “Seeing more Asian teams on the World stage proves that Asian football is closing the gap with the world’s elite. This is not just about numbers; it reflects a real improvement in overall strength.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 Asian Cup, Salman expressed full confidence that participating teams will deliver a spectacular event for global fans and present a refreshed image of Asian football. “I believe this tournament will be a source of pride for all Asian fans. It will showcase the passion, progress, and future potential of Asian football and serve as a key milestone driving the sport forward.”
