❗️FIFA postpones esports finals in Saudi Arabia amid Ansarallah operations

FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation have postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026, which were due to be held in Jeddah from 16 to 25 October, following recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, organizers announced on Thursday.

"The decision follows an ⁠assessment of recent developments in the region and their impact ​on the logistical arrangements required to stage the tournament," organizers of the international video game competition said. "Further announcements on the FIFAe Finals will be communicated in due course."

Japan and Brazil withdrew their esports teams on Saturday after assessing the security situation in Saudi Arabia.

The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament has been postponed from October to December, while golf's Asian Tour said it is monitoring developments ahead of next month's Saudi International in Riyadh.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also indicated it could delay the Asian Cup until 2028 if necessary. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 7 January, 2027, with matches planned in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al-Khobar.