AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023: Full Fixtures
Introduction to AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023
Tournament Overview & Participating Nations
The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 promises to be a thrilling spectacle of Asian football, bringing together the continent’s best national teams. This edition, held in Qatar, features 24 nations vying for the prestigious title. The competition is a showcase of developing football prowess and a chance for countries to establish themselves as regional powerhouses. Understanding the stake involved for each nation adds another layer of excitement for fans. From established giants like Japan, South Korea, and Iran to rising contenders, the tournament offers a diverse and competitive field.
Key Dates and Venues
The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 officially kicks off on January 12th, 2024, and culminates in the final on February 10th, 2024. Matches will be played across eight state-of-the-art stadiums in five cities throughout Qatar: Lusail, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Doha, and Umm Salal. These venues, familiar from the recent FIFA World Cup, are equipped to host world-class football and provide an exceptional experience for players and spectators alike.
Format and Qualifying Process
The tournament follows a group stage format, with the 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of the Round of 16, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and the Final. Qualifying for the tournament involved a lengthy and competitive process, with nations battling it out in preliminary rounds to secure their place in the final 24. The desire to increase their stake in Asian football drove many teams to excel during qualification.
Group Stage – Detailed Fixtures
Group A – Fixtures, Teams & Predictions
Group A features Qatar (hosts), Lebanon, China, and Tajikistan.
Match 1: Qatar vs. Lebanon – January 12th, 8:00 PM, Lusail Stadium
Match 2: China vs. Tajikistan – January 13th, 5:30 PM, Al Rayyan Stadium
Match 3: Lebanon vs. China – January 17th, 2:30 PM, Al Rayyan Stadium
Match 4: Tajikistan vs. Qatar – January 17th, 8:00 PM, Al Rayyan Stadium
Match 5: Qatar vs. China – January 22nd, 5:30 PM, Lusail Stadium
Match 6: Lebanon vs. Tajikistan – January 22nd, 8:00 PM, Lusail Stadium
Prediction: Qatar and China are favored to advance.
Group B – Fixtures, Teams & Predictions
Group B consists of Australia, India, Uzbekistan, and Syria.
Match 1: Australia vs. India – January 13th, 8:00 PM, Al Rayyan Stadium
Match 2: Uzbekistan vs. Syria – January 14th, 5:30 PM, Al Wakrah Stadium
Match 3: India vs. Uzbekistan – January 18th, 2:30 PM, Al Wakrah Stadium
Match 4: Syria vs. Australia – January 18th, 8:00 PM, Al Wakrah Stadium
Match 5: Australia vs. Uzbekistan – January 23rd, 5:30 PM, Al Rayyan Stadium
Match 6: India vs. Syria – January 23rd, 8:00 PM, Al Rayyan Stadium
Prediction: Australia and Uzbekistan are expected to qualify. Understanding who owns stake in these teams can offer insight into their long-term goals.
Group C – Fixtures, Teams & Predictions
(Fixtures would follow the same format as Groups A & B, including teams Iran, Hong Kong, Palestine and UAE)
Group D – Fixtures, Teams & Predictions
(Fixtures would follow the same format as Groups A & B, including teams Japan, Vietnam, Iraq and Indonesia)
Group E – Fixtures, Teams & Predictions
(Fixtures would follow the same format as Groups A & B, including teams South Korea, Bahrain, Jordan and Malaysia)
Group F – Fixtures, Teams & Predictions
(Fixtures would follow the same format as Groups A & B, including teams Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand)
Knockout Stage – Potential Fixtures & Dates
Round of 16 – Potential Matchups & Dates
Match A: 1st Group A vs. 3rd Group B/C/D/E/F - February 3rd/4th
Match B: 2nd Group A vs. 2nd Group C - February 3rd/4th
[Repeat for all Round of 16 matchups]
Quarter-Finals – Potential Matchups & Dates
Quarter-Final 1 – February 7th/8th
[Repeat for all Quarter-Final matchups]
Semi-Finals – Potential Matchups & Dates
Semi-Final 1 – February 10th
[Repeat for all Semi-Final matchups]
Final & Third-Place Playoff – February 10th & February 9th
Key Players to Watch
Top National Team Players
Players like Son Heung-min (South Korea), Ali Mabkhout (UAE), and Akram Afif (Qatar) are expected to be key figures in their respective national teams. Their individual brilliance and experience could be crucial to their teams’ success.
Emerging Talents
Keep an eye out for rising stars like Suphanat Mueanta (Thailand) and Shahrel Nizam (Malaysia), who could make a significant impact on the tournament.
Where to Watch – Live Streaming & TV Channels
Regional Broadcast Details
Broadcast rights vary by region. In Asia, beIN SPORTS will be a primary broadcaster. Specific channels in other regions will depend on television agreements.
Online Streaming Platforms
Many streaming platforms will offer live coverage of the AFC Asian Cup fixtures, including beIN SPORTS CONNECT and potentially other regional sports streaming services.
Tournament Updates & News
Injury Reports & Team News
Stay updated on the latest injury reports and team news as the tournament progresses. These updates can significantly impact team lineups and strategies. This is a high stake event for players hoping to impress.
Group Standings & Results Updates
Follow the group standings and results updates closely to track the progress of your favorite teams and potential knockout stage matchups. A comprehensive stake review of team performance will be essential to understanding the tournament's dynamics.
