Asian Cup draw rescheduled for ‌May after Middle East conflict delay

[p]The draw, originally ‌scheduled for April 11, will be held at the historic At‑Turaif ‌District in Diriyah. The AFC ⁠said the ‌postponement was made to ensure the full ​participation of all key stakeholders and member associations.[/p][p]A number ​of sporting events across the region were postponed or cancelled following heightened ⁠tensions triggered ​by US and Israeli strikes on Iran last month.[/p][p][b]Saudi Arabia is set to host the 24-team, quadrennial ‌continental championship for the first time from January 7 to February 5. With 23 of the 24 teams already confirmed, the draw will divide the qualified nations into six groups of four.[/b][/p][embed guid="e48c2acc-610c-4871-96bf-533eb0a9efcd" url="https://x.com/saudi2027/status/2044338373582598547" social-type="twitter" /][p]The final qualification place will be decided on ‌June 4, when Lebanon face ​Yemen in a play-off. Defending ‌champions Qatar have already secured their place at the finals, along with four‑time winners Japan and fellow World Cup qualifiers South Korea, ⁠Iran, Jordan, ⁠Australia and ‌Uzbekistan.[/p]