Qatar’s march to successive AFC Asian Cup titles ensured the Maroons will go down as one of Asia’s greatest teams as they followed their 2019 triumph in the United Arab Emirates with another remarkable performance on home soil, overcoming Jordan in the final to defend their title in style.

 

Marquez Lopez’s side now return to a qualification campaign where they are well-placed with a perfect record at the top of Group A ahead of a double-header against Kuwait. However, for the first time since 2008, the future will be one without Hassan Al Haydos, who recently announced his international retirement having skippered the side to a second Asian crown last month.

 

With the likes of Akram Afif and Almoez Ali still within the ranks, there is no shortage of star power as Qatar look towards the next global and continental showpieces, but Al Haydos leaves big boots to fill. A pair of victories against Kuwait – and with it a ticket to Saudi Arabia 2027 – would ensure the perfect start to life without one of their greatest-ever players.

Lebanon will make one of the longest journeys possible in Asian football when they travel more than 14,000 kilometres to take on Australia in Sydney on Thursday before making the somewhat shorter trip to Canberra to face the same opponents the following Tuesday for a pair of matches in which the Socceroos will be strong favourites.

 

However, despite the distance the West Asians will travel, they can expect plenty of support in Australia. With a sizeable Lebanese population residing in the country, there is sure to be no shortage of Lebanon flags at both Western Sydney Stadium and Canberra Stadium as their supporters aim to inspire them to a surprise result.

 

Australia are top of Group I with six points from six, with the real battle seemingly below them. Lebanon sit second after two draws, and if the Cedars can get anything from their games in Australia, they would return home full of optimism ahead of June’s matches with Palestine and Bangladesh. Whatever the outcome, a fantastic atmosphere surely awaits.

After China PR exited the AFC Asian Cup in the group stage having failed to find the back of the net in their three matches, head coach Aleksandar Jankovic departed to be replaced by Branko Ivankovic, who most recently guided Oman to the continental competition before the West Asians also fell at the first hurdle in Qatar.

 

The Croatian tactician has had considerable success in Asia, notably guiding Persepolis to multiple Iranian Pro League titles as well as an AFC Champions League™ final in 2018. Back in 2010, meanwhile, he also steered Shandong Taishan to the Chinese Super League title during an 18-month stint with the Jinan club.

 

But the expectation will be greater this time round as China PR head into a double-header with Singapore sat third in Group C with games against Thailand and Korea Republic to come. Six points against the Singaporeans would leave the Chinese well-placed to claim a top-two finish and advance, and Ivankovic will be fully aware of the importance of a strong start in his new role.

After their incredible run to the AFC Asian Cup final just over a month ago in which Jordan stunned both Iraq and Korea Republic en route to a best-ever runners-up finish, the West Asians return to a qualification campaign where they need to pick up points if they are to secure a top-two finish in Group G.

 

A 1-1 draw against Tajikistan – in which Yazan Al Naimat’s stoppage-time goal secured a late point – was followed by a 2-0 loss at home to Saudi Arabia back in November to leave the Jordanians three points adrift of the second-placed Tajiks ahead of back-to-back matches against Pakistan, the first of which is in Islamabad on Thursday.

 

The majority of those who shone in Qatar – among them Mousa Al Tamari, Ali Olwan and Al Naimat – are included in the squad ahead of the trip to Pakistan. And head coach Hussein Ammouta will hope they can maintain their fine form in national team colours to ensure Jordan’s upward trajectory continues in the months ahead.

There was no shortage of hype when Vietnam and Indonesia faced off in Doha on January 19 in what was the first Southeast Asian derby at the AFC Asian Cup since 1972. Asnawi Mangkualam’s first-half penalty proved the difference as the 1-0 scoreline ultimately led to Indonesia advancing to the knockout rounds and Vietnam exiting.

 

A little over two months on, the rivals will square off twice in the space of six days as they first take to the field in Jakarta before heading to Hanoi for the second encounter. As it stands, Vietnam occupy second place and an automatic qualification spot, while Indonesia – two points back – sit bottom and remain without a win.

               

The last time the sides faced a Jakarta-Hanoi double-header was the semi-finals of the AFF Cup in early 2023. Vietnam secured a goalless draw in the Indonesian capital before winning 2-0 at home to advance – a similar outcome this time round could see them again progress at Indonesia’s expense as well as go a long way towards avenging the defeat in Doha.