Saudi Arabia's preparations to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027 have entered a new phase, with 150 days left before the 19th edition kicks off. The tournament, the first ever staged in the Kingdom, runs from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

Twenty-four national teams will contest 51 matches over 30 days in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Khobar. The field is a strong one, featuring several of Asia's top sides and teams that played at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

At the final draw, staged in May in the historic At-Turaif District in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia was placed in Group A with Kuwait, Oman and Palestine. The Green Falcons open against Palestine in Riyadh as they chase a fourth continental crown, having won in 1984, 1988 and 1996.

Last week, the first round of interviews for the tournament's volunteer programme began in the Eastern Region, where more than 3,000 applicants are being interviewed in Al-Khobar. Interviews will move to Riyadh and Jeddah later.