AFC Considers 2031 & 2035 Asian Cup Hosts | FIFA Request

Sofia, Bulgaria – Plans for selecting host nations for the 2031 and 2035 AFC Asian Cup tournaments have been suspended, following a request from FIFA to explore moving the competition to even-numbered years. The decision, announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on March 20, 2026, impacts nations that had already submitted bids to host the prestigious continental championship.

The move comes after FIFA reportedly requested the shift to even-numbered years to align with the international football calendar. According to the Korean Yonhap News Agency, the AFC communicated the suspension of the bidding process to interested member associations, including the Korea Football Association (KFA), via an official communication on March 19, 2026.

AFC and FIFA Collaboration on Calendar Realignment

The AFC’s decision to halt the selection process is a direct result of recent discussions with FIFA regarding the broader restructuring of the international match calendar. The aim is to create a more cohesive and streamlined schedule for global football events. This collaboration signals a significant shift in how the AFC Asian Cup will be positioned within the larger framework of international competitions.

Although the exact implications of the calendar change are still unfolding, it’s anticipated that the next available AFC Asian Cup will likely be held in 2032, taking into account the already scheduled 2027 tournament in Saudi Arabia and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The 2027 edition will be the first to feature an expanded 24-team format, a change already approved by the AFC. The AFC website details updates on the Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers, with the latest disciplinary committee decisions announced on March 17, 2026.

Impact on Bidding Nations

The suspension of the bidding process effectively nullifies the applications submitted by countries vying to host the 2031 and 2035 tournaments. Korea, which had been actively pursuing the opportunity to host one of the events, has seen its bid automatically withdrawn. The KFA has stated its continued interest in hosting future tournaments, emphasizing that it will re-engage in the bidding process when the AFC reopens applications.

The decision also affects other nations that had expressed interest, though specific details regarding which countries were actively bidding remain limited in publicly available information. The AFC has indicated that it will announce a revised timeline and process for selecting host nations once the details of the novel international match calendar are finalized.

The Future of the AFC Asian Cup

The AFC Asian Cup is the premier national team football competition in Asia, determining the continent’s champions. The tournament has a rich history, with the first edition held in 1956. Over the years, it has grown in stature and popularity, attracting increasing attention from fans and media worldwide. The expansion to 24 teams in 2019 and the planned implementation of a Team Base Camp concept for the 2027 Saudi Arabia tournament demonstrate the AFC’s commitment to enhancing the competition’s quality, and appeal. Details on the 2027 match schedule were unveiled on February 27, 2026.

The potential move to even-numbered years aligns the AFC Asian Cup with the FIFA World Cup cycle, potentially increasing its visibility and commercial value. However, it also raises questions about the potential for scheduling conflicts with other international tournaments and the impact on the development of Asian football. The AFC will need to carefully navigate these challenges to ensure that the tournament continues to thrive.

Expansion Considerations

There has been discussion regarding a potential expansion of the AFC Asian Cup to 32 teams, mirroring the recent expansion of the FIFA World Cup. According to a report on Namuwiki, a Korean online encyclopedia, there is growing support for this idea, particularly among nations that narrowly missed qualifying for the 2027 tournament, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, and Turkmenistan. However, no official decision has been made regarding a further expansion.

AFC Focus on Future Host Selections

The AFC had previously opened bidding for the 2035 AFC Asian Cup, following a proposal by AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa to combine the host selections for the 2031 and 2035 editions. The bidding process for the 2031 tournament had already attracted significant interest from across the continent. However, with the suspension of the current selection process, all bids have been put on hold. The AFC announced on January 30, 2026, that it had received bids to host the 2035 tournament.

The AFC has assured interested member associations that it will resume the host selection process as soon as the new international match calendar is finalized. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and competitive bidding process, with the goal of selecting host nations that can deliver a world-class tournament experience.

The suspension of the 2031 and 2035 AFC Asian Cup host selection process represents a significant development in Asian football. The decision, driven by collaboration with FIFA, underscores the importance of aligning the AFC’s calendar with the global football landscape. While the immediate impact is a pause in the bidding process, the long-term implications could be far-reaching, shaping the future of the continent’s premier football competition.

The AFC is expected to provide further updates on the revised timeline and process for selecting host nations in the coming months. Stakeholders across the Asian football community will be closely watching these developments, eager to understand how the changes will affect their opportunities to participate in and benefit from the AFC Asian Cup.

Next Steps: The AFC is expected to announce a revised timeline for the host selection process once the details of the new international match calendar are finalized. Stay tuned to www.world-today-journal.com for further updates on this developing story.

What are your thoughts on the AFC’s decision? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this will impact the future of Asian football.