Qatar is ready to shift its focus back to the football pitch, this time as the host nation for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Qatar welcomes the continent’s best teams in a tournament that promises to be as exciting as its predecessor.
Hosts and Venue: Originally scheduled to take place in 10 cities across China in June and July of 2023, the tournament found a new host in Qatar following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Middle Eastern nation, renowned for its successful staging of the 2022 World Cup, will see the action unfold at iconic venues like Lusail Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, and Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
The opening match will be held at Lusail Stadium, where Lionel Messi’s Argentina secured their third World Cup title in front of nearly 89,000 fans.
Key Dates: The 24-team tournament kicks off today, January 11, at 7 pm (16:00 GMT), with hosts Qatar facing regional rivals Lebanon in the first match of Group A. The group stage will run until January 25, with the round of 16 beginning on January 28 and concluding with the final at Lusail Stadium on February 11 at 6 pm (15:00 GMT).
Qualification and Teams: After a yearlong qualification phase, 23 teams, excluding China, earned their spots in the tournament. Notable newcomers include Tajikistan, making their debut, and Hong Kong returning after a hiatus of over five decades. India, displaying increasing confidence, secures its second consecutive appearance.
The 24 participating teams are divided into six groups:
- Group A: Qatar, China, Tajikistan, Lebanon
- Group B: Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, India
- Group C: Iran, UAE, Palestine, Hong Kong
- Group D: Japan, Indonesia, Iraq, Vietnam
- Group E: South Korea, Malaysia, Jordan, Bahrain
- Group F: Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Oman
Group Stage Format: The top two teams in each group and the four best-ranked third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16, while the bottom teams and two worst-ranked third-placed teams will exit the tournament.
Past Winners and Favorites: Japan leads the historical standings with four titles, followed by Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea, Kuwait, Australia, Israel, Iraq, and defending champions Qatar. Australia, Japan, and South Korea are strong contenders, while regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Qatar aim to secure the coveted title.
As the AFC Asian Cup 2023 unfolds, football enthusiasts across the continent eagerly anticipate thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and the crowning of a new champion in the heart of Middle Eastern football glory.
