AFC Asian Cup 2023: Schedule You Can't Miss
Introduction to AFC Asian Cup 2023
What is the AFC Asian Cup?
The AFC Asian Cup is the premier international men's football championship of Asia, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). First held in 1956, the tournament showcases the best national teams from across the continent, battling for continental glory. It’s a spectacle of skill, passion, and national pride, attracting a massive global audience. For those looking to stay updated on all the action, exploring platforms like betpro can provide comprehensive coverage.
Host Nation & Venues – Qatar
Qatar is the proud host of the 2023 edition, having stepped in to replace China. The tournament is being held from January 12th to February 10th, 2024. Eight state-of-the-art stadiums, many of which were used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will host the matches, promising a world-class experience for players and fans alike. This infrastructure is key to delivering a seamless tournament experience.
Participating Teams - A Quick Look
Twenty-four national teams are competing for the coveted title. These include powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, alongside emerging forces and debutants. The competition is fierce, with each team eager to make their mark on the Asian football landscape. Accessing information about team lineups and performance using apps like the betpro exchange app login can be a valuable resource for followers.
Tournament Format & Key Rules
The tournament follows a group stage followed by a knockout phase. The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four, with the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the Round of 16. Standard FIFA rules apply, with the addition of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to ensure fair play and accurate decision-making.
Group Stage Schedule – Match by Match
Group A – Qatar, Lebanon, China, Tajikistan - Detailed Schedule & Key Matchups
- Jan 12: Qatar vs Lebanon (Al Bayt Stadium)
- Jan 12: China vs Tajikistan (Al Rayyan Stadium)
- Jan 17: Tajikistan vs Qatar (Al Rayyan Stadium)
- Jan 17: Lebanon vs China (Al Bayt Stadium)
- Jan 22: China vs Qatar (Al Bayt Stadium)
- Jan 22: Lebanon vs Tajikistan (Al Rayyan Stadium)
Key Matchup: Qatar vs China – a crucial game for both hosts and a traditionally strong opponent.
Group B – Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, Jordan - Detailed Schedule & Key Matchups
- Jan 13: Australia vs India (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium)
- Jan 13: Syria vs Uzbekistan (Khalifa International Stadium)
- Jan 18: Uzbekistan vs Australia (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium)
- Jan 18: Jordan vs Syria (Khalifa International Stadium)
- Jan 23: Australia vs Syria (Khalifa International Stadium)
- Jan 23: Uzbekistan vs Jordan (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium)
Key Matchup: Australia vs Uzbekistan – a clash between two of the group favorites.
Group C – Iran, Hong Kong, Palestine, UAE - Detailed Schedule & Key Matchups
- Jan 14: Iran vs Hong Kong (Education City Stadium)
- Jan 14: Palestine vs UAE (Al Bayt Stadium)
- Jan 19: Hong Kong vs Palestine (Al Bayt Stadium)
- Jan 19: UAE vs Iran (Education City Stadium)
- Jan 24: Iran vs Palestine (Education City Stadium)
- Jan 24: UAE vs Hong Kong (Al Bayt Stadium)
Key Matchup: Iran vs UAE – a highly anticipated match between regional rivals.
Group D – Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Iraq - Detailed Schedule & Key Matchups
- Jan 14: Japan vs Vietnam (Khalifa International Stadium)
- Jan 14: Iraq vs Indonesia (Al Bayt Stadium)
- Jan 19: Vietnam vs Iraq (Al Bayt Stadium)
- Jan 19: Indonesia vs Japan (Khalifa International Stadium)
- Jan 24: Japan vs Iraq (Al Bayt Stadium)
- Jan 24: Vietnam vs Indonesia (Khalifa International Stadium)
Key Matchup: Japan vs Iraq – a battle between two strong Asian teams.
Group E – South Korea, Bahrain, Malaysia, Jordan - Detailed Schedule & Key Matchups
- Jan 15: South Korea vs Bahrain (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium)
- Jan 15: Jordan vs Malaysia (Al Rayyan Stadium)
- Jan 20: Bahrain vs Malaysia (Al Rayyan Stadium)
- Jan 20: Jordan vs South Korea (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium)
- Jan 25: South Korea vs Malaysia (Al Rayyan Stadium)
- Jan 25: Bahrain vs Jordan (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium)
Key Matchup: South Korea vs Jordan – a test for both teams' knockout stage ambitions.
Group F – Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand - Detailed Schedule & Key Matchups
- Jan 15: Saudi Arabia vs Oman (Al Rayyan Stadium)
- Jan 15: Kyrgyzstan vs Thailand (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium)
- Jan 20: Oman vs Kyrgyzstan (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium)
- Jan 20: Thailand vs Saudi Arabia (Al Rayyan Stadium)
- Jan 25: Saudi Arabia vs Kyrgyzstan (Al Rayyan Stadium)
- Jan 25: Thailand vs Oman (Jassim bin Hamad Stadium)
Key Matchup: Saudi Arabia vs Oman – a clash of Gulf giants.
Full Group Stage Calendar
(A detailed, sortable table would be included here, listing all matches with date, time, teams, and venue)
Knockout Stage – Dates & Potential Matchups
Round of 16 – Schedule & Qualifying Teams
Matches scheduled for February 3rd – 7th, 2024. The specific matchups will depend on the group stage results.
Quarter-Finals – Schedule & Potential Matchups
Matches scheduled for February 10th, 2024. Potential matchups will be determined after the Round of 16.
Semi-Finals – Schedule & Potential Matchups
Matches scheduled for February 14th, 2024.
Final - Date, Time, and Venue
February 10th, 2024 at Lusail Stadium.
Key Players to Watch
Star Players from each group
Son Heung-min (South Korea), Ali Mabkhout (UAE), Almoez Ali (Qatar), and Takumi Minamino (Japan) are just a few of the established stars expected to shine.
Emerging Talents – Players to keep an eye on
Several young players are poised to make a breakthrough in this tournament. Keep an eye out for promising talents from Uzbekistan and Jordan.
Potential Golden Boot Contenders
Almoez Ali, with his proven goal-scoring record, is a strong contender. However, several other strikers from across the continent are also in contention.
Where to Watch AFC Asian Cup 2023
TV Channels & Streaming Services
Coverage varies by region. In the USA, beIN SPORTS will likely carry many matches. In the UK, Viaplay Sports is expected to have extensive coverage. Local sports channels will broadcast matches in India and Australia.
Official AFC Website & App – Live Scores & Updates
The official AFC website and app provide real-time scores, results, and news updates. Many fans also use betpro install to access detailed game statistics.
Social Media Channels for Live Coverage
Follow the AFC’s official social media channels for live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
Tournament Predictions & Odds
Favorite Teams to Win the Title
Japan, Iran, and South Korea are consistently ranked among the favorites. Qatar, as the host nation, also has a good chance.
Dark Horses – Teams that could surprise
Uzbekistan and Jordan have shown promising form and could potentially cause upsets.
Betting Odds & Analysis
Betting odds are constantly shifting. Platforms like betpro offer detailed analysis and odds comparison, but remember to gamble responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official match timings?
Match timings vary based on the venue and broadcast schedule. Check the official AFC website for the most accurate information.
How can I get tickets for the matches?
Tickets are available through the official AFC ticketing portal and authorized resellers.
What are the rules regarding VAR in the tournament?
VAR will be used to review clear and obvious errors and serious missed incidents.
Where can I find the latest team news and injury reports?
The official AFC website, major sports news outlets, and dedicated football websites provide the latest team news and injury reports. Staying informed with resources like the afc women's asian cup standings (for broader Asian football context) can also be helpful. The 2023 afc asian cup schedule is also readily available online.
