The children were selected by AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 partner Continental, and the Emirates Red Crescent, a member of the International Federation Red Cross/Crescent – an AFC Social Responsibility partner.

In a special football-themed challenge held at the Zabeel Stadium complex in Dubai, home of Al Wasl FC, 200 youngsters aged between six and nine years old participated in the competition to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the AFC Asian Cup from a totally unique vantage point.

With just 40 days to go before the Continental showpiece kicks off with hosts United Arab Emirates taking on Bahrain in the tournament opener, the-AFC.com takes a look at the 24 tacticians who will lead the Continent’s best in the biggest and best ever AFC Asian Cup.

There will be new faces in charge as several teams, including three of the five Asian teams who featured in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, will have new head coaches.

We take a look at the head coaches of Groups A, B and C.

There will be a mix of new and old as several head coaches have been with their teams for years while some will be leading their sides into a major competition for the first time.

We take a look at the head coaches of Groups D, E and F.

While Asia's biggest teams took their customary place in the glittering draw in Dubai last May, there are several national sides who will be making their debuts in the Finals or returning to the Continental showpiece after having missed out on several editions.

Over the years, the AFC Asian Cup has produced some brilliant footballers and coaches. So, we gave fans the opportunity to vote for who they considered as the greatest 11 players in the competition's history.

After 2.6 million votes on the-AFC.com over the past few weeks, it is now time to announce the players who made the final XI alongside six substitutes who narrowly missed out on a starting XI place.

The expanded competition, which is set to welcome an unprecedented 24 teams – eight more than the 2015 edition – is poised to be the most-expansive, most-inclusive AFC Asian Cup in history, with more teams promising more goals, greater drama and action.

True to the tournament’s slogan of “Bringing Asia Together,” the affordable ticketing structure has been designed to start from just AED 25 (Approx $6.8USD).

This will enable as many people as possible – from the millions of Asians already residing in the UAE to the billions living within a four-hour flight – to come and experience the excitement of world-class, live football.

For the first time, 24 nations will compete for the most prestigious prize in Asian football in what will be the biggest sporting event to be held in the region.

With the action kicking-off on January 5, 2019 when hosts UAE take on Bahrain at Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi, the exciting build-up has already seen thousands of fans participate in a wide range of exciting activations, which is spreading enthusiasm for the tournament throughout communities.