2027 Asian Cup

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Never too early to discuss Asian football

Draw is out for 2027 and we have:

Arnie's Iraq - expect a team aiming for a grinding 1-0 win. If GA is still in charge it will be interesting as he'll have an inkling as to how to counter us, but it is unlikely to be exciting.

Singapore - expect a dangerous first 20 minutes followed by a wide open 70 (I could write a thesis on South East Asian professional athlete fitness levels).

Tajikistan - expect a defensive game with gaping holes ........unless they learn from their somewhat more exciting neighbours to the North

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Nice draw reaction clip from the most knowledgeable Asian football Youtuber I've come across:

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I wonder if the War in the Persian Gulf will let up for the Asian Cup? Surely Iran will stop attacks on Saudi Arabia at least (assuming the Iranians are allowed into Saudi).

Let's just hope Team Melli doesn't get knocked out in the group stage.

[Stuckey]

I wonder if there is a plan for what happens if things get worse? If the A-League takes a break over the Cup surely playing it here isn't out of the question.

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I wonder if there is a plan for what happens if things get worse? If the A-League takes a break over the Cup surely playing it here isn't out of the question.

Good question as in such a scenario the Middle East in general would be out of the equation.

Given the politics of the AFC, I'd assume the tournament would go ahead in Saudi even if stadiums were actively targeted by IRGC ballistic missiles.

[Stuckey]

I wonder if there is a plan for what happens if things get worse? If the A-League takes a break over the Cup surely playing it here isn't out of the question.

Good question as in such a scenario the Middle East in general would be out of the equation.

Given the politics of the AFC, I'd assume the tournament would go ahead in Saudi even if stadiums were actively targeted by IRGC ballistic missiles.

I guess it would come down to whether players are willing to go. We're about 3 weeks away from the Saudi league kicking back off again so I would say if that's underway. The Asian Cup will occur.

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Now the Houthis are in the action, however they don't seem overly concerned with Saudi beyond the oil pipeline and possibly some oil terminals.

It is unlikely to stop the Asian Cup however is another layer of concern for those going to the event.