The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement and the US-Iran conflict, has disrupted the global sporting calendar, forcing the postponement, cancellation, or relocation of major events across football, Formula 1, tennis, and more.
Asian Cup Postponed by Almost a Year
The 2027 Asian Cup, Asia's premier football tournament, was scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from 7 January to 5 February next year. It has now been delayed by almost a year and will be held between 23 December 2027 and 21 January 2028. The 24-team event is the latest in a series of postponements in the region.
Formula 1 Races in Jeopardy
Formula 1 had already lost the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends in April due to the US-Iran conflict. Now, the Qatar Grand Prix (27-29 November) and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (4-6 December) are also in doubt. If cancelled, F1 would have lost four of its 24 events this year. The sport is pressing ahead with plans to race after receiving security reassurances, but many within the paddock have misgivings. Should the situation deteriorate, a single event in Imola, Italy, could replace the Abu Dhabi weekend. The 2027 season is set to start in Bahrain on 12-14 March, followed by Saudi Arabia, but that race could be cancelled if conditions do not improve. One option being discussed is to hold the Saudi race in Malaysia, as was done in October.
Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Affected
The Saudi Pro League has largely continued, but several domestic games have been postponed, including three fixtures last month after an attack on Riyadh airport. The league cited "mandatory minimum rest periods" and "logistical requirements" for the moves. Following the Asian Cup postponement, this weekend's full round of Saudi Pro League matches has been called off, with the league saying the calendar would be recalibrated for a "more balanced distribution of fixtures." The AFC Champions League has also been impacted. Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman did not travel to Uzbekistan this week "given the pressure of matches and the amount of travel involved." Al-Wasl of the UAE opted not to fly to Saudi Arabia to play Al-Nassr, and the match will be rearranged. Off the pitch, Ellie Watkins, wife of Al-Hilal's Ollie Watkins, posted on TikTok that she would stay in the UK with their children "until it calms down."
Dakar Rally Moved, Other Events Cancelled
The Dakar Rally, originally set for Saudi Arabia in January, has been moved "following recent developments in the region." The 2027 edition will now begin in Loule-Faro, Portugal, and end in Marrakech, Morocco. Saudi Arabia had hosted the previous seven editions. Rally Saudi Arabia, part of the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship scheduled for 12-15 November, has been cancelled. However, MotoGP will still take place this weekend at the Lusail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar, albeit without the Yamaha team, which was advised against traveling from Japan.
Tennis and Boxing Adjustments
The Six Kings Slam, which was to begin on Saturday in Riyadh, has been postponed by two months and is now scheduled for 27-30 December at the ANB Arena. Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev are among the competitors. The 2026 WTA Finals will not take place in Saudi Arabia; a mutual agreement was reached to terminate the hosting agreement early, and the event will be held at Indian Wells in the United States. In boxing, last week's Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli card went ahead, but Lindolfo Delgado withdrew from his IBF lightweight title fight against Arthur Biyarslanov over safety concerns. The Zuffa Boxing event featuring Carlos Adames vs. Gerome Warburton is still scheduled for 14 November in Riyadh.
WWE, Esports, Cycling, and Golf Impacted
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 will still take place this weekend but at a new venue, the ANB Arena, instead of the Kingdom Arena. The FIFAe Finals, an esports tournament in Jeddah, was cancelled last month. This week's UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in Riyadh was also called off. The PIF Saudi International golf event, the Asian Tour season finale, will not be held from 18-21 November at Riyadh Golf Club. The Professional Triathletes Organisation has moved the Saudi Arabia T100 and World Triathlon Cup in Jeddah from the end of this month to 16-17 April.
