FIFA Postpones eWorld Cup Finals Following Attack in Saudi Arabia
FIFA has postponed the eWorld Cup Finals in Saudi Arabia after a deadly attack at Riyadh airport, affecting logistics and safety.
New Delhi, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation have announced the postponement of the FIFA eWorld Cup Finals 2026, originally scheduled to take place in Jeddah from October 16 to 25. This decision comes in the wake of a recent attack at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
On October 10, a deadly assault targeted the airport, resulting in 12 fatalities and 309 injuries. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement from Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, marking it as one of the most dangerous incidents in Saudi Arabia in over a decade.
In a statement, the event organizers explained that the postponement was necessary due to the recent developments in the region and their impact on logistical arrangements for the tournament. They assured that further announcements regarding the FIFA eWorld Cup Finals would be made in due course.
The statement also praised the support and cooperation provided by Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Esports Federation, which had previously hosted the tournament successfully.
Additionally, the attack has prompted the postponement of the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition event, now rescheduled for December 27-30, 2026, due to logistical challenges.
Furthermore, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia could face a similar delay of one year following missile attacks in Riyadh. This continental tournament is set to commence on January 7, 2024, across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, with match schedules being adjusted for logistical reasons.
