Saudi Arabia to host key matches for AFC Champions League and Qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2022, AFC Asian Cup 2023

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic having a significant impact on the planning of major sports events across the world, the AFC decided to have centralised group stages for both its Champions League and Asian Cup qualification, prioritising the health and wellbeing of all those involved.

As announced earlier this month by the AFC, for the AFC Champions League’s West Region three of the five groups will be based in Saudi Arabia – with Groups A and D being held in the Riyadh, and Group C being held in Jeddah. The matches are scheduled to take place between April 14-30, with the two other groups in the West due to be held in the United Arab Emirates and India.

Saudi Arabia was also selected as a host for the all-important group matches of the AFC’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2022, which will for the qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The Kingdom will play host for Group D of this qualification – a crucial group which includes Uzbekistan, Singapore, Palestine and Yemen, and home team Saudi Arabia. These group matches will take place between May 31 and June 15, 2021.

Saudi Arabia was selected to host these matches following an extensive feedback process by the AFC, involving its participating Member Associations, commercial partners and all other relevant stakeholders.