FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation have postponed the FIFAe Finals 2026, which were scheduled to take place in Jeddah from October 16 to 25. Organisers announced the decision on Thursday, confirming that the FIFAe Finals 2026 postponed move follows recent attacks on Saudi Arabia.
“The decision follows an assessment of recent developments in the region and their impact on the logistical arrangements required to stage the tournament,” the organisers of the global video game tournament said. “Further announcements on the FIFAe Finals will be communicated in due course.”
FIFAe Finals 2026 postponed as security fears empty the tournament
The postponement follows a strike on Riyadh’s international airport on Saturday that killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for what is the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
The airport strike was part of a wider wave of Houthi attacks on Saudi targets, which have already disrupted aviation and drawn international condemnation. Japan and Brazil withdrew their esports teams on Saturday after assessing the security situation in the host country, a signal that organisers could not ignore.
Saudi Arabia’s sporting calendar under pressure
The security uncertainty is now casting a shadow well beyond esports. The Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament has been moved from October to December. Golf’s Asian Tour says it is monitoring developments ahead of next month’s Saudi International in Riyadh.
The Asian Football Confederation said it remains open to delaying the Asian Cup until 2028 if necessary. The continental tournament is scheduled to kick off on January 7 next year across venues in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. The Korea Football Association said it was in contact with the AFC and was closely monitoring the situation.
There is precedent for a delay. The previous Asian Cup was pushed back by a year after China withdrew as host because of COVID-19 restrictions, with Qatar stepping in to stage the tournament in early 2024.
For Saudi Arabia, the stakes go beyond any single event. The kingdom has spent heavily in recent years to position itself as a global sports hub, hosting boxing title fights, Formula 1 races and major golf tournaments. Each postponement chips at that project and raises questions from athletes, sponsors and broadcasters about safety guarantees.
What it means for Pakistan’s sporting calendar
Pakistan’s own sporting schedule continues on a separate track. The national side is preparing for the ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka starting October 18, a home assignment that carries ranking points and World Cup qualification weight. Unlike the events in Saudi Arabia, there is no suggestion that the tri-series faces any security-related disruption.
For Pakistani esports fans, the postponement is a disappointment but not a surprise. The FIFAe Finals bring together the world’s best EA Sports FC players, and Pakistan has a growing competitive gaming community that follows the event closely. Organisers have promised further announcements, and a rescheduled date remains possible once the security picture clears.
Frequently asked questions
Why were the FIFAe Finals 2026 postponed?
FIFA and the Saudi Esports Federation postponed the event after assessing recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a deadly strike on Riyadh’s international airport, and their impact on logistics.
When and where were the FIFAe Finals 2026 scheduled?
The tournament was scheduled for October 16 to 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. No new dates have been announced.
Which teams withdrew before the postponement?
Japan and Brazil withdrew their esports teams on Saturday after assessing the security situation in the host country.
Is the Asian Cup also at risk?
The AFC says it remains open to delaying the Asian Cup until 2028 if necessary. The tournament is currently scheduled to begin on January 7 across Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar.
