Saudi Arabia set to host 2027 Asian Cup after India withdraws bid

Salem Al Dawsari of Saudi Arabia, front, celebrates with teammates after scoring the second goal in their 2-1 victory against Argentina during the 2022 World Cup at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. EPA

Saudi Arabia celebrate their second goal by Salem Al Dawsari against Argentina at the Lusail Stadium. AFP

Saudi Arabia's Salem Al Dawsari after scoring his side's second goal. AP

Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the match against Saudi Arabia. Getty

Saudi Arabia's Saleh Al Shehri, left, celebrates after scoring the equaliser against Argentina. AFP

Crowd attendance is shown on a giant screen at the Lusail Stadium. Getty

Saudi Arabia's goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais saves a shot from Argentina. AP

Saudi Arabia's Nawaf Al Abid fights for the ball with Argentina's Enzo Fernandez. Reuters

Saleh Al Shehri, right, scores his team's opening goal. EPA

Angel Di Maria of Argentina looked stunned. Getty

Lionel Messi after scoring the first goal. AFP

Saudi Arabia looks set to host the 2027 Asian Cup after becoming the sole bidder for the tournament when India withdrew its bid.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement that the All India Football Federation had pulled out from the selection but did not provide any reasons for India's decision.

In October, the AFC's executive committee shortlisted India and Saudi Arabia as potential hosts.

"The Asian Football Confederation has been officially notified by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of their decision to withdraw their bid from the AFC Asian Cup 2027 host selection process," the regional body said Monday without elaborating.

Three-time champions Saudi Arabia will now probably host their first AFC Asian Cup. The AFC Congress will formally decide the host in the Bahrain capital of Manama in February next year.

Saudi Arabia caused one of the biggest shocks in the ongoing World Cup in Qatar when they beat Argentina 2-1 in their opening match, although the team were not able to advance past the group stage.

The 2023 Asian Cup will also be hosted by Qatar. It was previously set to be held in China but the country withdrew because of its Covid-19 guidelines.

The Asian Cup is staged every four years. Qatar won the tournament's last edition, in 2019, which was hosted by the UAE.