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Updated January 2024

Following an eventful year, Asian football fans will definitely have something to cheer about as the prestigious AFC Asian Cup will be held in 2024, kicking off on January 12, with the final to be played on February 10. Undoubtedly, many Asian football fans will be highly anticipating this quadrennial tournament for the chance to root for their favourite teams in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. Read further to learn everything we know about the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

AFC Asian Cup 2023

The AFC Asian Cup is the premier international football tournament in Asia, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The tournament is held every four years, and the 2023 edition will be the 18th edition of the tournament.

The winner of the tournament will be crowned the champion of Asia and will also qualify for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

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AFC Asian Cup 2023 host

In October 2022, Qatar was chosen as the next AFC Asian Cup host after edging out South Korea and Indonesia.

AFC Asian Cup 2023 venues

The AFC Asian Cup will be held across nine venues in Qatar. These are:

  • Lusail Stadium
  • Khalifa international Stadium
  • Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
  • Al Janoub Stadium
  • Al Bayt Stadium
  • Jassim bin Hanad Stadium
  • Education City Stadium
  • Al Thumama Stadium
  • Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium

AFC Asian Cup 2023 teams & schedule

The 18th season of this continental competition is scheduled to commence on 12 January 2024 and will run until 10 February 2024, which is the date of the finale.

The tournament will feature 24 teams, divided into 6 groups of 4 teams each. After the group round, 16 teams will qualify for the knockout stage.

The groups are as follows:

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

To keep yourself updated with the matches schedule, please visit the official website of AFC Asian Cup.

AFC Asian Cup 2023 tickets

Important Note: AFC Asian Cup 2023 tickets are not associated with the Hayya entry permit and do not grant access to the State of Qatar.

The second phase of ticket booking has commenced, allowing fans to secure up to 10 tickets per transaction, subject to availability. Tickets are available for purchase on the official ticketing website of the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

Phase 1 of the ticket sale for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 received a massive response from football fans in Asia, with over 150,000 tickets sold. These tickets started at a very affordable price of QAR 25.

Fans can download their tickets directly to their digital wallets, eliminating the need for internet connectivity when presenting these digital tickets at the stadium. Additionally, the tournament’s official ticket resale platform now allows for the resale of purchased tickets.

AFC Asian Cup 2023 opening ceremony

The AFC Asian Cup opening ceremony will be held on January 12, 2024, at Doha’s Lusail Stadium, at 5 PM local time. Ticketholders can immerse themselves in the Fan Zone starting from 2 PM, enjoying a prelude featuring football, culture, food, music, and lifestyle. As the clock ticks towards 5 PM, attendees are encouraged to secure their seats for the live spectacle. Lusail Stadium is set to transform into a hub of collective revelry, under the theme ‘The Lost Chapter of Kelileh & Demneh”.

AFC Asian Cup 2023 travel

For football fans across Asia, the opportunity to witness their national teams playing live is unmissable. Navigating the flight options and entry protocols is key to ensuring a hassle-free and memorable visit to the football spectacle in Qatar.

Flights to Qatar

With Qatar being a global aviation hub, accessing the country is convenient with major international airlines offering direct flights to Hamad International Airport in Doha. For those looking for a seamless travel experience, Qatar Airways, the national carrier, provides extensive connectivity from most major countries and high-quality comfort and service.

For those coming from regions without direct flights, connecting through major hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Istanbul is a viable option. To avail these options, it’s essential to consider layover times and transit visa requirements for layover destinations.

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Driving to Qatar

While air travel is the primary choice, neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates provide an opportunity for road travel as well. Well-maintained road networks and efficient border crossings make this an alternative worth considering, especially for those already in the Gulf region.

If you’re planning to drive to Qatar from a neighboring country like the UAE, we recommend going through our comprehensive guide on the topic.

Your Quick Guide to Driving from the UAE to Doha

Hayya card

If you’re travelling from outside Qatar, it’s crucial to obtain the Hayya Card along with your tickets, as this card acts as the entry pass for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. The Hayya Platform provides a streamlined visa application process specifically tailored for travellers requiring a visa to enter Qatar. Explore our dedicated article on this topic to delve deeper into the details of the Hayya card.

Qatar Introduces Enhanced Hayya Platform, Unifying Tourist Visa Processes and Enriching Visitor Experiences

 

 

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