Social Wrap: Teams assemble as kick-off approaches

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Social Wrap: Teams assemble as kick-off approaches

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is now just days away, with teams going through their last-minute preparations.

Hosts and defending champions Qatar welcome Lebanon to Lusail Stadium fon Friday for the competition’s curtain raiser, in what is set to be the beginning of an enthralling month of action.
 
From special welcomes to the training pitch, the-AFC.com takes a look at the social media channels of the teams involved.

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. 

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. 

Chhetri: India well prepared for Australia

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Chhetri: India well prepared for Australia

Doha: Australia will hold no surprises for India when the two sides face off in their opening AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ tie on Saturday.

The two met at the same stage in the 2011 edition with India suffering a 4-0 defeat but captain Sunil Chhetri is confident history will not repeat itself in their Group B clash at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. 

Japan ready to impress

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Japan ready to impress

Doha: Japan completed their AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ preparations in style after beating Jordan 6-1 in a closed-door friendly match on Tuesday.

Head coach Hajime Moriyasu used the opportunity to give his squad playing time with two completely different sets of teams fielded on either side of the break.

Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener

Wed, 10 Jan, 2024

Alireza Faghani to take charge of #AsianCup2023 opener

Doha: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today confirmed the cast of match officials that will oversee the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which will take place on Friday at the breathtaking Lusail Stadium.

Widely regarded as one of the most established Asian match officials, Alireza Faghani has been appointed to officiate the highly-anticipated Group A fixture between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon, which will kick off at 7pm in the 88,000-capacity venue and officially get the 18th edition of Asia’s crown jewel underway.

Qatar 2023 set for kick-off

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Qatar 2023 set for kick-off

Doha: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 is all set to take off with most of the 24 teams having already checked in for the continental showpiece. 

Exciting is building with the 18th edition of the tournament to kick off with the opening match between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon at the iconic Lusail Stadium on Friday.
 
To be hosted by Qatar for the third time, AFC Asian Cup fever can be felt across the country, with the 51 matches to be played in nine stadiums.