Against the backdrop of a packed stadium and hundreds of millions around the world, football fans were treated to a breathtaking live show with a series of on-pitch music performances in a fitting tribute to the excellence of Asian football and the vibrant spirit, colour and atmosphere of the host nation.

Internationally renowned singing sensations from the UAE, Hussain Al Jassmi, Balqees Ahmed Fathi and Eida Al Menhali were the ceremony’s main stars, which set the perfect stage for the tournament’s opener between the hosts UAE and Bahrain.

At the AFC Executive Committee meeting at the UAE capital, Shaikh Salman said: “Tomorrow we will witness the kick-off of the biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup when hosts, the United Arab Emirates, take on Bahrain.

“The AFC would like to thank the UAE Government, the Local Organising Committee - and all those involved in delivering this tournament - for their hard work during the past four years.

“History will be made with so many new initiatives for the AFC Asian Cup, which over the months have been introduced for this AFC Asian Cup.

The 17th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, which will be the biggest and best Continental showpiece, kicks off on Saturday with hosts United Arab Emirates taking on Bahrain in their Group A opener at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Check out the individual national team kits by groups below:

The AFC Asian Cup opening match has not always seen the host have it easy, as there have been instances where we saw the host nation stunned on their home turf. Over the years, there were many a classic encounter which saw entertaining draws or a shock result that remains in memory.

Mr Al-Mohannadi thanked the OCAC members for their hard work in preparing for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 which will be the biggest-ever in the history of the competition. “We are now ready for the opening match.”

He added: “This competition will live up to the slogan of ‘Bringing Asia Together’ and with a competition of this stature, we are proud to have extended the AFC’s ‘It’s My Game’ campaign with the LOC to inspire women and girls across the UAE to embrace different roles in football.

“I am pleased to inform you the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 will introduce the Video Assistant Referee System (VAR) in seven matches starting from the quarter-finals. This landmark decision is a first for the AFC Asian Cup as we embrace technology to benefit the game.

Through the series of short films titled “Voices of Asia”, the LOC has sought to bring to life the fervour of Asia’s biggest-ever showpiece and provide a global platform to the Continent’s passionate fans.

Episode One features Hareez Al Menhali, the UAE national and super fan who was spotted by cameras in tears at the AFC Asian Cup in Australia and whose iconic image became a symbol for both the competition and the undeniable passion for football that exists in Asia.

The VAR system will be implemented in the final seven matches of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 from Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Since the landmark decision in September last year, the AFC has been working closely with FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to ensure the successful implementation of the VAR system.

In addition, a comprehensive series of VAR specific workshops have been organised in recent months to ensure Asia’s elite match officials receive the optimum level of preparation.