Matchday One: 5 things to look out for

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

Matchday One: 5 things to look out for

Doha: It’s been almost five years since Hassan Al Haydos hoisted the AFC Asian Cup™ trophy into the Abu Dhabi sky at Zayed Sports City Stadium as Qatar were crowned champions of Asia for the first time following a 3-1 win over Japan. 

Qatar went on to host West Asia’s first FIFA World Cup in late 2022 and are now set to welcome the best teams in Asia for the 18th edition of the continent’s most prestigious tournament when it kicks off on Friday. 
 
Ahead of the opening game between the defending champions and Lebanon, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for. 

Preview - Group A: Qatar v Lebanon

Sat, 13 Jan, 2024

Preview - Group A: Qatar v Lebanon

Lusail: Marquez Lopez’ Qatar have their eyes firmly focused on defending their AFC Asian Cup™ title going into their Group A opener against Lebanon at the Lusail Stadium on Friday.

Having clinched their maiden AFC Asian Cup title in 2019 with a 3-1 win over four-time winners Japan 3-1 in the final, head coach Lopez said his charges are ready to hit the ground running starting with Lebanon.

Qatar’s Al Haydos seeks title defence; Maatouk eyes history with Lebanon

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

Qatar’s Al Haydos seeks title defence; Maatouk eyes history with Lebanon

Doha: Hassan Al Haydos is targeting a successful defence when reigning champions Qatar kick off their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign against Lebanon in Group A on Friday.

As for his opposite number Hassan Maatouk, Qatar 2023 represents an opportunity to create history for Lebanese football - a place in the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Group A - Qatar v Lebanon: Facts & Figures

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Group A - Qatar v Lebanon: Facts & Figures

Lusail: The 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup™ kicks off on Friday with Qatar opening the defence of their title against Lebanon.

Ahead of what promises to be an enthralling opener at the Lusail Stadium, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the two sides. 

AFC Asian Cup™ in Numbers

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

AFC Asian Cup™ in Numbers

Doha: The wait for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is almost over with hosts and defending champions Qatar set to take on Lebanon in the opening game on Friday. 

The 18th edition of the continental competition marks the third time it has been held in Qatar, following on from the tournaments in 1988 and 2011 as, just over a year since the FIFA World Cup, the Gulf nation stages yet another festival of football. 
 
As the big kick-off rapidly approaches, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the AFC Asian Cup in numbers. 

World-class #AsianCup2023 preparations lauded by OCAC

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

World-class #AsianCup2023 preparations lauded by OCAC

Doha: With just over 24 hours to go before hosts Qatar and Lebanon take centrestage at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ opener at the Lusail Stadium, the Organising Committee of AFC Asian Cup (OCAC) has praised the exceptional stage provided for Asia’s players and teams to showcase their best ever performance.

Chaired by Mariano V. Araneta, Jr., the members of the OCAC were provided with a comprehensive update on the key milestones and breakthrough achievements leading up to the tournament as well as the readiness of all the main operational components to deliver a true spectacle for all stakeholders.

AFC President welcomes #AsianCup2023 match officials

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024

AFC President welcomes #AsianCup2023 match officials

Doha: The AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa greeted the largest-ever cast of match officials appointed to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ and offered them his encouragement and support on the eve of the Continental showpiece, emphasising the importance of their contributions.

Shaikh Salman met the 73 officials at the InterContinental Doha ahead of the opening match of the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium.

Yoshimi Yamashita to become first woman referee in AFC Asian Cup™ history

Thu, 11 Jan, 2024

Yoshimi Yamashita to become first woman referee in AFC Asian Cup™ history

Doha: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed today that Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita will take charge of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ fixture between Australia and India on 13 January 2024 (Saturday) – a landmark appointment that will make her the first woman ever to referee a match in the flagship tournament.

It is the latest feather in the cap of pioneering Yamashita, who is one of five trailblazing female match officials to be involved in the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel in Qatar. She will be ably supported in the Group B encounter at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium by assistant referees Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi – an iconic Japanese trio who made history as the first women officials to oversee matches in the AFC Cup™ (2019), AFC Champions League™ (2022) and J1 League (2023).