Stadiums and dates confirmed for Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027

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Image credit: FELIX DE JUAN / Shutterstock.com

The Asian Football Confederation have confirmed the stadiums and dates for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, with the tournament announced to take place between January 7 to February 5, 2027, across eight stadiums in three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.

In Riyadh, five stadiums will host Asia’s best: the King Fahd Sports City Stadium, the King Saud University Stadium, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University Stadium, Kingdom Arena and the Al Shabab Stadium.

Jeddah will have the honour of hosting games at two stadiums: the King Abdullah Sports City and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.

While Al Khobar will develop a new state of the art purpose-built facility for the tournament.

Chairperson of the Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) Mariano V. Araneta Jr. outlined the goals of the AFC for the upcoming tournament.

“The record-setting AFC Asian Cup™ in Qatar exceeded all our expectations. In every way, Qatar 2023 has set the benchmark of excellence for all future editions of Asia’s flagship tournament,” he said via press release.

“We are resolute in our commitment to improve Asia’s crown jewel with each passing edition and the foundations are now in place for Saudi Arabia to host a truly exceptional tournament in 2027.
“The focus of global football is now shifting towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we thank the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Local Organising Committee for their remarkable efforts thus far.
“We are confident that they will bring to bear their top-class hosting capabilities and warm hospitality for the benefit of everyone across the Continent and beyond, and we wish them the very best of success.”
President of Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al Misehal conveyed his admiration for the work done to develop the tournament.
“Confirming the dates and selecting the stadiums for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ is a strategic milestone in our journey to host the tournament,” he said in a press release.
“This announcement goes beyond simply identifying locations and schedules; it reflects the ongoing high-level collaboration between us and the AFC as we work towards delivering an exceptional tournament that fulfills the aspirations of the entire Asian continent.”
18 teams have confirmed their place at the tournament already, with the remaining six spots to be determined via the Qualifiers Final Round starting this March.
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NSW Government opens $4.65 million Local Sport Grant Program

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Image Credit: Football Australia

The NSW Government has opened applications for the 2026–27 Local Sport Grant Program, with up to $4.65 million available to support grassroots sporting organisations across the state.

The program will provide grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for incorporated not-for-profit sporting clubs and associations.

Funding is aimed at increasing participation, improving governance and enhancing community sporting facilities.

Applications opened on 27 July and will close at 1pm on 24 August 2026, with successful applicants expected to be announced in December 2026.

The Local Sport Grant Program forms part of the NSW Office of Sport’s ‘Everyone Plays Here’ strategic plan.

The plan is designed to strengthen community sport by supporting initiatives that encourage regular participation and improve long-term member retention.

Funding is also available for projects that reduce barriers to participation and create more inclusive sporting environments, particularly for women and girls, multicultural communities, people with disability, First Nations people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to participation initiatives, the program will support projects that improve the financial sustainability and governance of community sporting clubs, while also investing in the quality, adaptability and environmental sustainability of sporting facilities across New South Wales.

Successful projects must be completed by June 2028, with applicants required to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

The NSW Office of Sport has encouraged eligible organisations to submit applications before the closing date, with grants awarded through a competitive assessment process.

Mark Bosnich to headline Queensland Football Convention

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Mark Bosnich will bring his experience from the highest levels of football to the Queensland Football Convention in Brisbane this October. The former Australia international will headline the event as a featured speaker. He will take part in an exclusive Q&A session focused on his career and life in the game.

Bosnich will offer an honest look behind the scenes. He will discuss his time under Sir Alex Ferguson, his Premier League career, and the challenges of reaching the top. The session will also explore Australian talent pathways. Bosnich will share his views on the opportunities available to young footballers and what aspiring players need to succeed.

Premier League experience on show

Bosnich built a career across Australia and England. He played in the Premier League and represented some of the biggest clubs in the competition. His career included spells with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea. He also represented Australia at international level.

His insight will add value for leaders and developers of football in Australia.

Queensland football takes centre stage

The Queensland Football Convention will run from October 9 to 11 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The event will bring together football figures and industry professionals for a celebration of the game.

Bosnich’s appearance adds another major name to the convention program. More speakers and information will be revealed soon, including who will join Bosnich to discuss the key pillars of growth, sustainability and technology in the sport. The event will also provide a platform for conversations about the future of football in Queensland and Australia.

Tickets available now

Organisers are encouraging fans to secure their places ahead of the event. Early-bird tickets will end in less than two weeks, making now the time to plan their visit to the Queensland Football Convention.

With Bosnich confirmed as a featured speaker, the Queensland Football Convention is set to offer a rare opportunity to hear directly from an Australian football figure with extensive Premier League experience.

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