In support of the Local Organising Committee’s aim of ‘Bringing Asia Together’, group ticket packages allow businesses the chance to bring their employees, no matter their nationality or football knowledge, to celebrate Asia as one. This is the first ticket release from the LOC and offers groups the chance to reserve tickets before the 51 match, 24 nation tournament goes on general sale later this summer.

The Al Nahyan Stadium will host its first match in style when Thailand take on India in Group A on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at 5:30pm UAE time. The third stadium in Abu Dhabi - Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium – will take centre-stage on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 8:00pm with Asia’s top ranked side Islamic Republic of Iran taking on Yemen in Group D’s opening match.

Australia’s title defence opener against Jordan will be the first Group B match in Al Ain at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on January 6, 2019 at 3:00pm and the city’s second stadium - Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium - will host its first match between China PR and Asian Cup debutants Kyrgyz Republic in Group C on January 7, 2019 at 3:00pm.

Sharjah Stadium, the sole venue in the Emirate of Sharjah, will welcome the competition when Syria take on Palestine in Group B on January 6, 2019 at 8:00pm.

Dubai’s Rashid Stadium will be the stage for the Group E opener between Saudi Arabia and DPR Korea on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 8:00pm with Korea Republic and the Philippines opening their Group C campaign at the Al Maktoum Stadium on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 5:30pm.

The ultimate champions of Asia will be crowned on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 6pm UAE time at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Islamic Republic of Iran legend Ali Daei was excited with the result of the draw, describing it as one that promises much action next January.

Held at the Armani Hotel in Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa, the Final Draw was a glittering affair. Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the composition of the six groups.

The new trophy was unveiled by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and former UAE international Zuhair Bakheet during the glittering AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Final Draw at the Burj Khalifa.

Designed and made by world renowned silversmiths Thomas Lyte of London, the new trophy eloquently communicates the powerful spirit of football’s second oldest continental football competition.

Thomas Lyte craftsmen have designed and made globally some of the most iconic sporting trophies and the new AFC Asian Cup took these makers over 450 hours to craft, passing through the hands of 12 different craftsmen.

AFC President Shaikh Salman said: “Since 1956 we have had the same trophy and in keeping with the new and exciting future of the competition, the AFC decided to commission a new trophy, one that captures the excitement and drama of the tournament ahead.

“The AFC has trusted Thomas Lyte for all of our trophy designs since 1997 and I am happy to see this relationship flourish with this magnificent trophy which is fitting of the crowning jewel of the AFC’s competitions.”