ZURICH : FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation have postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026, which were scheduled to take place in Jeddah from October 16-25, following recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, organisers said on Thursday.
A strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claiming responsibility for the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
“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.
“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 the host country.
The postponement adds to uncertainty surrounding sporting events in Saudi Arabia as organisers and governing bodies assess the regional situation.
The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament has been postponed from October to December, while golf’s Asian Tour said it was monitoring developments ahead of next month’s Saudi International in Riyadh.
The Asian Football Confederation has also said it remains open to postponing the Asian Cup until 2028 if necessary. The continental tournament is scheduled to begin on January 7 next year, with matches planned in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
