The 55-year-old former Slovenia and Yugoslavia international, who had also previously managed Macedonia, United Arab Emirates and Slovenia, said there would be a transitioning period but he is committed in ensuring Iraq achieve success.

“I am happy and proud to be the new coach of Iraq but there is not going to be a quick solution,” said Katanec, who has replaced Basim Qasim.

“This is going to be a long process and it is going to take time to build the team at all levels. It is an exciting challenge, however, as there is a lot of talent in Iraq and if we can start moving in the right direction, then I am confident that we can have success.”

AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John said: “Asian football continues to make giant strides on the world stage and the remarkable growth and stature of the AFC Asian Cup exemplifies the undeniable progress of football in the Continent. Emirates have been a long-standing partner of the AFC and we would like to thank them for their firm belief in the development and ever-improving proposition of Asian football.

“Through this partnership with Emirates Holidays, we are confident that we will engage with more families, more passionate fans of all ages, from across all the five AFC regions and beyond. Together with the LOC and Emirates Holidays, the AFC is committed to staging an AFC Asian Cup of world class standards – a true celebration of Bringing Asia Together.”

Through the partnership, Emirates Holidays will offer a broad range of excellent value packages to football fans traveling to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah to support their teams. Each package has been designed for country specific football fans which includes match ticket(s), accommodation and return flights with Emirates Airline.

The team is led by new head coach Scott Cooper, who hails from England and had prior coaching stints in Thailand and Indonesia. He is assisted by Chris Greatwich and Steve Marsella.

Midfielder Stephan Schrock returns to the squad. Defender Amani Aguinaldo and midfielder Luke Woodland also make their national team return after injury.

Ceres Negros FC forward Curt Dizon was also included in the squad, as well as midfielder Angel Guirado who was part of the team that participated in the CTFA International Tournament in December 2017.

Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was also selected for the friendlies, as he offers the experience of being the first Filipino to play in the English Premier League.

In the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, the Azkals are making their debut at the Continental spectacle and were drawn alongside Korea Republic, China PR and Kyrgyz Republic in Group C.

The 2018 Asian Games' football competition saw Korea Republic defeat Japan 2-1 in extra-time in an exciting climax at Pakansari Stadium in Cibinong, and eyes now turn to the biggest event in the continental game: the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Here are six players who stood out in Indonesia and will aspire to rise to even greater heights for their countries in the UAE in January. Let us know in the poll below who you think will be the one to watch.

After a busy summer with five Asian nations participating in the FIFA World Cup and Korea Republic winning gold at the Asian Games, teams are now fully focused on preparing for the most prestigious continental showpiece, the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

And with the vast majority of the 24 participating teams taking part in friendly matches over the next ten days, the international break offers an opportunity for us to have a sneak peek into what's to come.

So, here are five things we can look out for in the upcoming series of friendlies.

The 2018 Asian Games gold medalists, now led by new head coach Paulo Bento, will face Uruguay on October 12 and take on Panama three days later according to the Korea Football Association (KFA) on Tuesday. Both matches will be held at home.

The KFA added Korea Republic will meet Uzbekistan in Brisbane, Australia, on November 20, three days after they play against Australia at the same venue.

The latest announcement finalises the match schedule of Bento's Korea Republic before entering the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. Korea Republic are in Group C alongside China PR, Kyrgyz Republic and the Philippines.

With just over four months to Asia’s most prestigious football tournament, 5,000 opportunities were launched across a number of exciting and critical roles, from liaising with team services and VIPs hospitality across the competition, to media work and venue operations.

The launch event for the volunteers’ programme was attended by LOC Director of Marketing and Communications, Ahmad Al Qobaisi, who was joined by Saeed Khalifah Al Muhairi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council Director of Technical Affairs, along with Mohammad Al Shatiri AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Volunteers Programme Manager, who were present among a crowd of football fans on Friday in Dubai Mall.