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. 

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. 

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.