The anticipation is building as the 2023 AFC Asian Cup draws near. In this thrilling article, we will delve into the format, fixtures, and venues of this prestigious tournament. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's dive into the exciting world of Asian football.
The Asian Cup Format: A Showdown of 24 Teams
The 2023 AFC Asian Cup will showcase 24 teams, divided into six groups of four nations each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the next round, along with the four best-ranked third-placed teams. This format promises nail-biting encounters and surprises at every turn.
Teams to Watch Out For
The stage is set for some incredible performances from various teams. From underdogs making their first-ever appearance, like Tajikistan, to powerhouse nations aiming for glory, the competition promises to be intense. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on each team's journey.
Knockout Drama Beckons
The Asian Cup progresses into the knockout stage after the group matches, raising the excitement levels to new heights. The Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand finale will test the mettle of the remaining teams. Who will rise above the competition and lift the trophy?
A Shift in Plans
While the tournament was originally scheduled to be held in China in 2023, unforeseen circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a change in plans. The event has been rescheduled and will now take place in Qatar in January and February of 2024. Despite the shift, fans can expect the same level of intensity and passion.
Asian Cup Bracket and Fixtures Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
Here's a comprehensive list of the group stage fixtures. Remember, all times shown are local, AST (GMT+3):
Group Stage Highlights
Friday, Jan. 12
- Group A: Qatar vs. Lebanon (Lusail; 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 13
- Group B: Australia vs. India (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- Group A: China vs. Tajikistan (Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha)
- Group B: Uzbekistan vs. Syria (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Sunday, Jan. 14
- Group D: Japan vs. Vietnam (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)
- Group C: United Arab Emirates vs. Hong Kong (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- Group C: Iran vs. Palestine (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Monday, Jan. 15
- Group E: South Korea vs. Bahrain (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- Group D: Indonesia vs. Iraq (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- Group E: Malaysia vs. Jordan (Al Wakrah; 8.30 p.m.)
Tuesday, Jan. 16
- Group F: Thailand vs. Kyrgyz Republic (Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha; 5.30 p.m.)
- Group F: Saudi Arabia vs. Oman (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 8.30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 17
- Group A: Lebanon vs. China (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 2.30 p.m.)
- Group A: Tajikistan vs. Qatar (Al Khor; 5.30 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 18
- Group B: Syria vs. Australia (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2.30 p.m.)
- Group B: India vs. Uzbekistan (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 5.30 p.m.)
- Group C: Palestine vs. United Arab Emirates (Al Wakrah; 8.30 p.m.)
Friday, Jan. 19
- Group D: Iraq vs. Japan (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2.30 p.m.)
- Group D: Vietnam vs. Indonesia (Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha; 5.30 p.m.)
- Group C: Hong Kong vs. Iran (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 8.30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 20
- Group E: Jordan vs. South Korea (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 2.30 p.m)
- Group E: Bahrain vs. Malaysia (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan; 5.30 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 21
- Group F: Oman vs. Thailand (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 5.30 p.m.)
- Group F: Kyrgyz Republic vs. Saudi Arabia (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 8.30 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 22
- Group A: Qatar vs. China (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
- Group A: Tajikistan vs. Lebanon (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Jan. 23
- Group B: Australia vs. Uzbekistan (Al Wakrah; 2.30 p.m.)
- Group B: Syria vs. India (Al Khor; 2.30 p.m.)
- Group C: Hong Kong vs. Palestine (Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha; 6 p.m.)
- Group C: Iran vs. United Arab Emirates (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 24
- Group D: Japan vs. Indonesia (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 2.30 p.m.)
- Group D: Iraq vs. Vietnam (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2.30 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 25
- Group E: South Korea vs. Malaysia (Al Wakrah; 2.30 p.m.)
- Group E: Jordan vs. Bahrain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2.30 p.m.)
- Group F: Saudi Arabia vs. Thailand (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
- Group F: Kyrgyz Republic vs. Oman (Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha; 6 p.m.)
Knockout Stage: Round of 16
Sunday. Jan. 28
- R1: Winners Group B vs. 3rd Group A/C/D (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2.30 p.m.)
- R2: Runners-up Group A vs. Runners-up Group C (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 7 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 29
- R3: Winners Group D vs. 3rd Group B/E/F (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2.30 p.m.)
- R4: Winners Group A vs. 3rd Group C/D/E (Al Khor; 7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Jan. 30
- R5: Runners-up Group B vs. Runners-up Group F (Al Wakrah; 2.30 p.m.)
- R6: Winners Group F vs. Runners-up Group E (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Jan. 31
- R7: Winners Group E vs. Runners-up Group D (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 2.30 p.m.)
- R8: Winners Group C vs. 3rd Group A/B/F (Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha 7 p.m.)
Battle for the Final Four: Quarterfinals
Friday, Feb. 2
- QF1: Winners R2 vs. Winners R3 (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2.30 p.m.)
- QF2: Winners R1 vs. Winners R6 (Al Wakrah; 6.30 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 3
- QF3: Winners R8 vs. Winners R7 (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2.30 p.m.)
- QF4: Winners R4 vs. Winners R5 (Al Khor; 6.30 p.m.)
Thrilling Semifinal Showdown
Tuesday, Feb. 6
- SF1: Winners QF1 vs. Winners SF2 (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 7
- SF2: Winners QF3 vs. Winners QF4 (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 6 p.m.)
The Epic Finale
Saturday, Feb. 10
- Winners SF1 vs. Winners SF2 (Lusail; 6 p.m.)
The AFC Asian Cup 2023 promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with high-stakes battles, glorious goals, and tremendous talent. Let's unite as football fans and support our favorite teams as they chase their dreams of glory. The wait is almost over!
