FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation have postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026 in Jeddah following recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, raising fresh concerns over the impact of regional security tensions on international sporting events.
The global esports tournament was scheduled to take place from October 16 to 25, but organisers announced the postponement on Thursday after assessing developments in the region and their implications for staging the competition.
“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.”
The postponement followed the withdrawal of the esports teams of Japan and Brazil on Saturday after they assessed the security situation in the host country.
The latest developments have cast uncertainty over Saudi Arabia’s sporting calendar as the kingdom continues to host and pursue major international competitions.
The security concerns have also affected other sporting events. The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament was moved from October to December, while golf’s Asian Tour said it was monitoring developments ahead of next month’s Saudi International in Riyadh.
Football preparations have also come under scrutiny, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) saying it remains open to delaying the Asian Cup until 2028 if necessary.
The continental tournament is scheduled to begin on January 7 next year, with matches planned across Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) said it was maintaining communication with the AFC as it monitored the situation.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia and plan to continue discussions regarding overall developments,” the KFA said in a statement.
The uncertainty comes as organisers and sporting bodies assess whether upcoming events can proceed as scheduled amid the regional security situation.
The previous Asian Cup was delayed by a year after China withdrew as host because of COVID-19 restrictions. Qatar subsequently stepped in to stage the tournament in early 2024.
FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation have yet to announce new dates for the FIFAe Finals 2026. \
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