JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation have postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026, which were scheduled to run from October 16 to 25 in Jeddah, following security concerns linked to recent attacks in Saudi Arabia.
Organisers announced the postponement on Thursday, saying a review of developments in the region had raised concerns about the logistical arrangements needed to stage the global esports tournament.
“The decision follows an assessment of recent developments in the region and their impact on the logistical arrangements required to stage the tournament,” organisers said in a statement.
They added that further information about the competition would be communicated in due course, without announcing new dates.
Japan And Brazil Withdraw From Tournament
The postponement follows the withdrawal of Japan and Brazil’s esports teams on Saturday after they assessed the situation in Saudi Arabia.
The uncertainty has raised questions about the readiness of the kingdom to host major sporting events in the coming weeks and months.
Attack Raises Security Concerns
The announcement follows reports of a deadly strike at Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday that killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, according to the supplied report.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for the attack, which was described as the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
The security situation has prompted organisers and sporting bodies to review plans for other major competitions scheduled in the country.
Six Kings Slam And Golf Events Under Review
The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament has been moved from October to December, while golf’s Asian Tour said it was monitoring developments ahead of next month’s Saudi International in Riyadh.
The decisions reflect the uncertainty facing event organisers as they assess security and logistical requirements.
Asian Cup Delay Remains A Possibility
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said it remains open to delaying the 2027 Asian Cup until 2028 if necessary.
The continental football tournament is scheduled to begin on January 7, 2027, with matches planned in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
The Korea Football Association said it was in communication with the AFC as officials monitor developments.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia and plan to continue discussions regarding overall developments,” the KFA said in a statement.
The previous Asian Cup was delayed by a year after China withdrew as host because of COVID-19 restrictions. Qatar subsequently stepped in to stage the competition in early 2024.
