MUSCAT: Oman’s national football team has been drawn in Group A alongside host nation Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Palestine following the official draw ceremony for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, held on Saturday in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
The 19th edition of Asia’s premier football tournament will take place from January 7 to February 5, marking the first time Saudi Arabia will host the continental championship in its history. The event will feature 24 national teams competing under the expanded tournament format introduced in 2019 by the Asian Football Confederation ‘AFC’.
As the host nation, Saudi Arabia was automatically placed in the first position of Group A after being seeded in Pot 1, The draw subsequently placed Oman, Kuwait and Palestine alongside the Green Falcons in what is expected to be a competitive and balanced group featuring strong Gulf and Arab rivalries.
Oman will be aiming to make a strong impression at the continental tournament and advance beyond the group stage, building on the team’s experience from previous AFC Asian Cup appearances and the noticeable development of Omani football in recent years.
The draw ceremony was staged in the historic city of Diriyah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent cultural and heritage landmarks, in the presence of AFC officials, representatives of participating member associations and a number of former Asian football stars.
Defending champions Qatar, winners of both the 2019 and 2023 AFC Asian Cup titles, were drawn in Group F alongside Japan, Thailand and Indonesia in what promises to be one of the tournament’s toughest groups. Qatar will be seeking to continue its continental dominance and secure a third consecutive title.
Among the other Arab teams, Jordan was placed in Group B together with Bahrain, Uzbekistan and North Korea. Group C includes Iran, the United Arab Emirates, China and Tajikistan, while Group D features South Korea, Iraq, Syria and either Lebanon or Yemen, with the final qualification spot yet to be decided.
The tournament will continue to follow the expanded 24 team format, with teams divided into six groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will qualify for the knockout stage beginning with the Round of 16.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the tournament represents a major milestone for the Kingdom, which has undergone rapid development in sports infrastructure and facilities in recent years as part of its ambition to stage major regional and international sporting events.
The 2027 edition also marks the return of the AFC Asian Cup to its traditional four year cycle after scheduling adjustments affected the previous edition, which was hosted by Qatar in 2024 following China’s withdrawal as host.
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