AFC unexpectedly postpones the Asian Cup 2027 draw ceremony

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed today, March 26, that the draw ceremony for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 finals, originally scheduled for April 11, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been postponed.

This decision was made after careful consideration to ensure all relevant parties can attend the draw ceremony without disruption.

Additionally, the Lebanon vs Yemen match in the final qualifying round for the Asian Cup 2027, scheduled to be held in Doha (Qatar) on March 31, has also been postponed until June 2026 due to security reasons.

This match is decisive, as the winning team will secure a spot in the Asian Cup 2027 finals.

Therefore, the full list of 24 teams qualifying for the Asian Cup 2027 finals cannot be finalized by March 31 as previously planned by AFC.

AFC expressed gratitude to the Local Organizing Committee of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 for completing all preparations to host the draw ceremony as originally scheduled.

AFC also appreciates the understanding and continued cooperation from participating member associations, fans, and stakeholders.

In the latest FIFA rankings, Vietnam ranks 103rd globally and 18th in Asia, placing them in Pot 3 for the Asian Cup 2027 finals draw.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will determine the seeding groups for the 24 participating teams based on their FIFA rankings, using the next FIFA ranking list to be released on April 1.

If Vietnam wins both matches during the March FIFA Days against Bangladesh and Malaysia, they could potentially enter the TOP 100 in the FIFA rankings.

However, it is highly unlikely for Vietnam to move up to Pot 2, as the teams in that pot have much higher rankings, with the closest being Oman and Syria ranked 78 and 84 respectively.

Updated information regarding the new schedule for the Asian Cup 2027 finals draw will be announced as soon as possible. Coach Kim Sang Sik will represent Vietnam at this draw ceremony.

Expected seeding pots for the Asian Cup 2027 draw

Pot 1: Saudi Arabia (host, world rank 61), Japan (19), Iran (20), South Korea (22), Australia (27), Uzbekistan (52).

Pot 2: Qatar (56), Iraq (58), Jordan (64), UAE (68), Oman (78), Syria (84).

Pot 3: Bahrain (90), China (93), Palestine (95), Vietnam (103), Kyrgyzstan (104), North Korea (119).

Pot 4: Indonesia (121), Kuwait (134), Singapore (148).