All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

The legacy of hosting global sports events continues to flourish in Qatar, with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ set to captivate football enthusiasts from January 12 to February 10, 2024. Building on the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar has once again proven itself as an excellent destination for world-class tournaments. Let's delve into the various facets of this prestigious competition.

Tournament Overview: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, a collaboration between the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), promises an unforgettable experience for fans. A total of 24 teams will vie for one of the most prestigious titles in Asian football, set against the backdrop of Qatar's cutting-edge infrastructure and commitment to sustainability.

Key Details:

• Dates: The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 12 to February 10, 2024.
• Venues: Matches will be held across several state-of-the-art stadiums, including Lusail Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, and Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.

Qualified Teams and Groups: A total of 24 teams have qualified for the tournament, divided into six groups during the draw held on May 11, 2023. The groups are as follows:

• Group A: Qatar, China, Tajikistan, Lebanon
• Group B: Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, India
• Group C: IR Iran, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China, Palestine
• Group D: Japan, Indonesia, Iraq, Vietnam
• Group E: Korea Republic, Malaysia, Jordan, Bahrain
• Group F: Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic, Oman

Match Schedule and Fixtures: The opening match at Lusail Stadium will see hosts Qatar facing Lebanon on January 12, 2024, at 7 pm local time. Lusail Stadium will also host the final match, promising an exciting start and conclusion to the tournament.

Ticket Information: Tickets for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ are available for purchase through the official ticketing website asiancup2023.qa. Prices for group stage matches start at QR 25, with various categories available for different stages of the tournament.

Official Match Ball: The official match ball, named VORTEXAC23, is a symbol of Qatar's identity, featuring maroon and white colors. It has undergone rigorous testing to ensure high-quality performance and durability. The final match will see the use of VORTEXAC23+, inspired by the desert sands of Qatar and reflecting the competitive spirit of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Mascots and Volunteer Program: The five desert rodent mascots—Saboog, Tmbki, Freha, Zkriti, and Traeneh—were unveiled at a ceremony in December 2023. Additionally, a volunteering program is in place, with about 6,000 volunteers set to contribute to the success of the tournament.

Innovations in Officiating: For the first time in the history of the AFC Asian Cup, women match officials will debut at the Qatar 2023™ edition. Furthermore, the tournament will witness the introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) to enhance decision-making during matches.

Legacy and Impact: Qatar's commitment to football extends beyond hosting tournaments. With a successful bid to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup™ and numerous individuals serving on AFC standing committees, Qatar is solidifying its position in Asian football governance. The Local Organising Committee, led by prominent figures such as H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani and Mr. Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless execution of the tournament and its legacy programs.

As the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ unfolds, it not only promises thrilling football action but also contributes to Qatar's ongoing legacy as a hub for global sporting events. The meticulous planning, innovative initiatives, and enthusiastic participation from fans and volunteers all contribute to making this tournament a significant chapter in the history of Asian football.