The Saudi government has invested heavily in sport through its Public Investment Fund in recent years and the Asian Cup was pitched as an early rehearsal for hosting the World Cup in 2034.
Disruptions in travel and security concerns have affected other sporting events in Saudi Arabia, with golf’s Asian Tour postponing the Saudi International indefinitely, while cycling’s Urban World Championships were also cancelled.
The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament in Riyadh has been moved from October to December and world soccer governing body FIFA postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 video game competition in Jeddah until an unspecified future date.
Singapore qualified for this edition of the tournament on merit for the first time.
The Lions sealed their entry in November 2025 after coming back from behind to beat Hong Kong 2-1 to top their qualifying group.
Singapore has been drawn into Group D, along with Australia, Tajikistan, and Iraq.
