Tajikistan to wait one year — Asian Cup postponed and Angelovski must wait

Igor Angelovski will have to wait another year before leading Tajikistan at the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia after the tournament was officially postponed.

Reason and new dates

The Asian Football Confederation moved the finals because of the war in Iran and continuing tensions in that part of the world. The competition that had been scheduled to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, is now set for December 23, 2027 to January 21, 2028.

For Tajikistan — coached by the former North Macedonia manager Angelovski — the delay means the national side will make its second appearance at the continental finals one year later than expected.

Tajikistan were drawn in a group with Australia, Iraq and Singapore, and now those fixtures will take place during the winter window spanning late 2027 and early 2028.

Angelovski’s technical staff will still include Milan Ilievski and Ivan Jovanovski. The postponement gives the team more preparation time but also extends the wait for players and supporters eager to see Tajikistan take the field on Asia’s biggest stage.

Photo: press material from the event