5 of the Best: Group Stage Matches

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Group Stage Matches

Kuala Lumpur: The football world will be watching as the highly anticipated AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ kicks off with the hosts and reigning champions Qatar going up against Lebanon at Lusail Stadium on Friday. 

The tournament opener is set to make sure that the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup begins in style and the excitement will only continue to soar as the group stage has thrown up several gripping match-ups to look forward to throughout the remainder of January. 
 
With plenty at stake in each of the 36 group stage fixtures taking place across Qatar between January 12 and 25, the-AFC.com picks out five matches to whet your appetite. 

www.the-afc.com/en/more/video/iran_vs_uae_afc_asian_cup_australia_2015_match_21.html

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/video/round_of_16_australia_vs_uzbekistan.html

Shaikh Salman hails AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as a tournament of ‘firsts’

Mon, 08 Jan, 2024

Shaikh Salman hails AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ as a tournament of ‘firsts’

Doha: As the attention of world football descends upon Doha for a record third time in the history of the AFC Asian Cup™, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has conveyed his best wishes to Asia’s top 24 teams and applauded the spirit of innovation and resilience exemplified by the Asian football family.

Ahead of Friday’s opener between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium, Shaikh Salman said: “I know our teams, players and the hundreds of millions of passionate fans across the globe have been waiting eagerly and we are now in touching distance of hosting our best-ever men’s showpiece in Asian football history.

5 of the Best: Memorable Openers

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Memorable Openers

Doha: The clock is ticking on towards the start of the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023, with the hosts set to take on Lebanon in the opening match at Lusail Stadium on Friday.

As all eyes turn to Doha, the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane to relive five of the most memorable opening matches in the history of the AFC Asian Cup.

5 of the Best: Goal Threats

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Goal Threats

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ promises plenty of goals as Qatar is set to host 51 thrilling matches in the continental showpiece, starting with the curtain raiser between the hosts and Lebanon on Friday and culminating in the final on February 10. 

The tournament, first played in 1956, has over the years witnessed plenty of incredible attackers – be it Islamic Republic of Iran legend Ali Daei in 1996, Iraq's inspirational leader Younis Mahmoud in 2007 or Almoez Ali who guided Qatar to their very first Asian crown in 2019. 
 
The 18th edition of the tournament is also not short of attacking talent who will try to make an indelible mark in Asia, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five individuals who could prove to be the biggest goal threats at the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. 

5 of the Best: Young Stars

Sat, 06 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Young Stars

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is set to kick off on January 12 when the hosts and reigning champions Qatar take on Lebanon in the opening match of the prestigious competition which will witness an array of talent from across the continent converge on the West Asian nation. 

While Son Heung-min, Mehdi Taremi, Ali Mabkhout and Wataru Endo will be some of the most high-profile names in action during the 18th edition of the tournament, there are also plenty of up-and-coming stars who will be hoping to elevate their status over the coming month. 
 
With the tournament now just days away, join the-AFC.com as we take a look at five such youngsters who have the potential to write their name into the history books with a strong showing in Qatar. 

5 of the Best: Swansongs

Sat, 06 Jan, 2024

5 of the Best: Swansongs

Doha: As the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ draws ever closer to the big kick-off on January 12, some of Asia's most decorated and recognisable players may be about to appear in the competition for the last time. 

From the host nation's captain to India’s talisman and many others, a number of veterans will take to the pitches across Qatar as they look to inspire their countries to a successful campaign. 
 
Whether it will be the last time we see them in AFC Asian Cup action is yet to be determined, but the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on five players who could be appearing in the continent's most prestigious tournament for the final time of their illustrious careers. 

Qatar 2023 Squads in Numbers

Fri, 05 Jan, 2024

Qatar 2023 Squads in Numbers

Doha: The 24 teams in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ have confirmed their respective squads for the 18th edition of Asia’s premier national team tournament with plenty of interesting narratives at play.

From the oldest to the youngest as well as players looking to break records, the-AFC.com picks out eight interesting facts from the squads.

Qatar 2023 team kits revealed

Wed, 03 Jan, 2024

Qatar 2023 team kits revealed

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is nearly upon us and with the excitement brewing, it's time to take a look at one of the most eye-catching aspects of the most prestigious national competition in Asia - the kits!

From the iconic green worn by Saudi Arabia to Japan's striking blue kits to Qatar decked in maroon enroute to their 2019 triumph, the team kits have always played an important role in the excitement of the AFC Asian Cup.
 
Feast your eyes on the home and away kits of all 24 teams set to challenge for the title at Qatar 2023.

Iconic stadiums primed for Qatar 2023

Tue, 02 Jan, 2024

Iconic stadiums primed for Qatar 2023

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is set to be a spectacular affair with the 51 matches to be played in nine state-of-the-art stadiums.

The Lusail Stadium leads the way, with the iconic stadium to host the opening match between Qatar and Lebanon and the final. 

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the stadiums that will feature the continent’s best players vying for the coveted AFC Asian Cup trophy. 

Road to Qatar 2023 Revisited

Mon, 01 Jan, 2024

Road to Qatar 2023 Revisited

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ kicks off in just a few days with anticipation building for the continental showpiece. 

The 24 teams had to endure a long and winding road to reach their destination and as we eagerly await the opening match between Qatar and Lebanon on January 12, the-AFC.com retraces a qualifying campaign like never before.