Saudi Arabia showcases 2027 Asian Cup preparations at Madrid football summit

The local organizing committee for the Saudi 2027 Asian Cup™ participated in the World Football Summit 2026, held in Madrid on September 15-16, 2026.

Committee CEO Mai Al-Halabi took part in a panel discussion titled "Beyond Europe: Rewriting the Rules of the Game," which addressed the growth of football outside European markets, the evolution of hosting major sporting events, and the increasing role of emerging markets in the global football industry.

During the session, Al-Halabi outlined Saudi Arabia's preparations to host the Asian Cup for the first time, with 24 teams competing in 51 matches across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Alkhobar. The operational plan includes eight stadiums, 31 training sites, and more than 40 hotels, with coordination involving over 50 government and private entities across various organizational tracks.

She explained that, for the first time in Asian Cup history, the tournament will implement a team camp model, providing each national team with an integrated environment combining accommodation, training, and support services throughout their participation.

Al-Halabi noted that preparations are based on the cumulative experience of national talent gained from hosting sports events, as Saudi Arabia has hosted more than 150 international sporting events since 2018, attracting over 3.5 million fans.

She said: "In 2026, the local committee tested several aspects of readiness by hosting three major Asian tournaments, which featured 71 matches and drew more than 238,000 spectators. This allowed us to test and refine operational plans in a real environment ahead of the Saudi 2027 Asian Cup™."

Al-Halabi also highlighted the role of Saudi youth in organizing sporting events, noting that over 70% of those involved in event organization are young people. The tournament's volunteer program received 46,000 applications for 7,000 volunteer opportunities, reflecting strong interest in participating and the opportunities the tournament offers to develop national expertise.

Regarding the fan experience, Al-Halabi showcased digital services being developed to enhance the spectator journey, led by the "Ahlan" app, which has surpassed 330,000 users. The app provides services related to tickets, visas, accommodation, transportation, and customer support in four languages, aiming to deliver a comprehensive experience that combines international standards with Saudi hospitality. The Kingdom's connections to over 170 destinations and e-visas for citizens of more than 60 countries further support this effort.

Al-Halabi emphasized that the success of the Saudi 2027 Asian Cup™ will extend beyond the tournament itself, leaving a legacy through the development of national talent, accumulation of organizational and operational expertise, and building sustainable capabilities that enhance Saudi Arabia's readiness to host major sporting events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup.