Saudi Arabia to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027. The holding of the event will serve as a great test for a country that dreams of hosting a soccer World Cup in the near future.
Saudi Olympics and Paralympics Committee President Prince Abdulaziz Turki Al Faisal Al Saud during his presentation to the delegates from 46 countries, said the tournament will be an opportunity to showcase all the great aspects about the game.
“It is an honour to have been chosen as hosts for the Asian Cup, and this is a historic and exciting moment for football in Saudi Arabia. Our experience in hosting major sporting and entertainment events means that we are ready to deliver.” Abdulaziz said.
“This will be an incredible Asian Cup, made even more special by the passion of the Saudi fans. I would like to thank the AFC and all the member associations that have been involved in this process,” he added.
Saudi Arabia has been betting big on hosting international sporting events in recent years.
Saudi Arabia has three Asian Cup titles (1984, 1988 and 1996) and this will be the first time that it will host the competition in history.
There has been speculation about the country’s interest in hosting a FIFA World Cup and there is talk of a possible joint bid with Egypt and Greece, but according to Prince Abdelaziz, the project may not be immediate in recent months.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest exporter of crude oil and the largest economic power in the Arab world, has hosted important sporting events in recent years such as the Dakar Rally, a Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Saudi Cycling Circuit and the Spanish and Italian Super Cups, soccer, among others.
In terms of sports, Saudi Arabia has also been in the news for a week due to the signing of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo by a club in the country, Al Nassr.
