Escalating Saudi-Yemen conflict threatens Asian Cup and Popovic's Socceroos swansong

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels has escalated, with recent missile and drone hits on Riyadh’s international airport and the Aramco complex killing at least 13 people. AFC president Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa warned the Asian Cup could be pushed back a year to 2028 rather than relocated, marking the first such suggestion from the confederation. Football Australia, which gave Tony Popovic a short-term extension to see the tournament through, now faces a likely postponement that would leave his contract ending before the rescheduled event.

The Socceroos, fresh from a promising performance against Brazil, could miss a chance to win the cup under Popovic, who previously lifted the AFC Champions League with Western Sydney Wanderers. Sources say the federation has not yet discussed replacements, though Kevin Muscat and John Aloisi are mentioned as possible successors. Meanwhile, travel advisories for Saudi Arabia have been tightened, and other regional events, including a tennis tournament and AFC Champions League matches, have already been delayed because of security concerns.