Official: Copa Asia 2027 postponed, a boost for Kubo

One less worry for LaLiga coaches and, especially, for fantasy football fans. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced this Tuesday, 3 November, the official postponement of the Copa Asia 2027, which was due to be held in Saudi Arabia between 7 January and 5 February next year.

The continental body has decided to move the competition to the period between the 23 December 2027 and 21 January 2028, after analyzing the organizational and security difficulties stemming from the situation in the Middle East. The new dates will still need FIFA approval.

The situation in Saudi Arabia forces a change of plans

The decision comes after several weeks of uncertainty over whether the tournament would go ahead. Regional instability, the recent attacks suffered by Saudi Arabia, and difficulties in ensuring travel have ultimately led to a major change to the international calendar.

After talks with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the organizing committee, the AFC has concluded that the right conditions are not in place to hold the competition on the dates originally planned.

Saudi Arabia will continue to host the tournament, in which 24 national teams will take part, but it will have almost an additional year to prepare for a competition that will also serve as an international showcase ahead of the 2034 World Cup.

Kubo and Kang-in Lee, the big fantasy beneficiaries

The postponement is especially positive news for Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, two sides that could have lost key players for several matchdays of the league campaign.

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Kubo
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Takefusa Kubo was one of the names that fantasy managers were most concerned about. The Real Sociedad attacker is one of Japan's leading figures and had plenty of chances of featuring in the tournament. His absence for several weeks would have forced the Donostia club to look for attacking alternatives at an important point in the season.

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Kang-In Lee
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A similar situation affected Kang-in Lee. The Atletico Madrid player is a key part of the South Korean squad, and his call-up would have meant a significant loss for the Rojiblancos. With the postponement, the Atletico coach will be able to count on the Asian player throughout next January, as long as no other setbacks arise.

For users of Comunio, Biwenger, LaLiga Fantasy, Mister or Futmondo, the news removes one of the main uncertainties surrounding these players ahead of the winter transfer window.

Audero, Mathew Ryan and Sato can also breathe easier

But the benefits of the postponement are not limited to Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid. Three other players from the Spanish league could also have been affected by the Asian competition.

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Emil Audero
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One of them is Emil Audero, Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper and Indonesia international. The keeper had gained prominence in Vallecas, and a possible move in January could have complicated the plans of the franjirrojos, especially given the physical problems Augusto Batalla has suffered.

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Ryan
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The Levante UD are also set to benefit, as they will be able to keep Mathew Ryan. The experienced Australian goalkeeper is one of the most internationally seasoned players in his national team and was among the candidates to take part in the continental tournament.

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Sato
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Finally, Ryunosuke Sato, the young Japanese midfielder at Valencia CF, also appears to be a beneficiary. The player has been gaining more presence in Japan's call-ups, and his participation in the Copa Asia was a possibility that managers needed to keep in mind. Now he will be able to continue his development at Mestalla without the continental tournament interrupting his season in January.