Riyadh:The Asian Football Confederation has announced "Khuzama" as the official match ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, in partnership with Kelme, coinciding with the 100-day countdown to the tournament. The event is set to take place from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ball's name is inspired by the wild lavender plant native to Saudi Arabia, and its purple hue symbolizes hospitality and welcome. The design incorporates geometric patterns influenced by "The Portal," an element of the tournament's official identity, reflecting traditional Najdi architectural doorways in deep purple, green, and sand shades.
"Khuzama" is engineered to meet match performance standards, featuring contrasting purple and white panels to improve visibility for players, referees, and fans both in daylight and under floodlights.
This will be the first time Saudi Arabia hosts the AFC Asian Cup, with 24 teams scheduled to compete in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar.