AFC Asian Cup Schedule: Key Dates & Times
Introduction: The 2024 AFC Asian Cup – What You Need to Know
Tournament Overview & Host Nation
The 2024 AFC Asian Cup is set to be a spectacular showcase of Asian footballing talent, hosted by Qatar from January 12th to February 10th, 2024. This marks the second time Qatar has hosted the tournament, having previously done so in 1988. The anticipation is high as fans prepare to witness a month of thrilling competition. A significant aspect of the sporting world, and even intersecting with areas like the involvement of entities like stake f1 team in supporting various sporting events, the Asian Cup promises a captivating experience.
Key Changes & New Formats
This edition of the tournament features an expanded format, with 24 teams competing for the coveted title – an increase from the previous 16. This expansion allows for greater representation across the Asian continent and provides a platform for emerging footballing nations to compete on the biggest stage. The tournament format includes a group stage followed by a knockout phase, culminating in the final match.
Qualifying Process Recap – Who Made It?
The road to the 2024 AFC Asian Cup was competitive, with qualifying rounds held across Asia. Teams navigated a complex system of preliminary and final qualifying stages to secure their spots. Alongside traditional powerhouses, nations like Tajikistan and Indonesia successfully qualified, highlighting the growing competitiveness of Asian football. The qualification process determined the final lineup of afc asian cup players representing their nations.
Detailed Match Schedule & Key Dates
Group Stage Schedule – Full Fixture List
(Due to the length constraint, a comprehensive fixture list is impractical. Here’s a snapshot)
- Group A: Qatar vs Lebanon (Jan 12th), China vs Tajikistan (Jan 13th)
- Group B: Australia vs India (Jan 13th), Uzbekistan vs Syria (Jan 14th)
- Group C: Iran vs Palestine (Jan 14th), Hong Kong vs UAE (Jan 15th)
- Group D: Japan vs Vietnam (Jan 14th), Iraq vs Indonesia (Jan 15th)
- Group E: South Korea vs Bahrain (Jan 15th), Jordan vs Malaysia (Jan 16th)
- Group F: Saudi Arabia vs Oman (Jan 16th), Thailand vs Kyrgyzstan (Jan 17th)
Full afc asian cup schedule details are available on the official tournament website.
Round of 16 Schedule – Dates, Potential Matchups & Venues
The Round of 16 kicks off on January 20th, with matches scheduled across various stadiums in Qatar. Potential matchups depend on the group stage results, but expect clashes between group winners and runners-up.
Quarter-Final Schedule – Dates & Venues
The Quarter-Finals are slated for February 3rd and 4th, intensifying the competition as teams battle for a spot in the semi-finals.
Semi-Final Schedule – Dates & Venues
The Semi-Final matches will be held on February 6th and 7th, promising high-stakes encounters.
Final & Third-Place Playoff – Date, Time & Venue
The Third-Place Playoff will be played on February 9th, followed by the highly anticipated Final on February 10th at the Lusail Stadium.
Key Teams to Watch & Their Schedules
Japan – Schedule & Key Players
Japan, perennial contenders, begin their campaign against Vietnam. Key players to watch include Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan.
South Korea – Schedule & Key Players
South Korea, led by Son Heung-min, will aim to go all the way. Their schedule includes a challenging match against Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia – Schedule & Key Players
Saudi Arabia, boasting a talented squad, opens their campaign against Oman. Salem Al-Dawsari will be crucial to their success.
Iran – Schedule & Key Players
Iran, known for their strong defensive organization, faces Palestine in their opening match. Sardar Azmoun is a key attacking threat.
Australia – Schedule & Key Players
Australia will be looking to make a strong impression. Their first match is against India.
Venues & Stadiums Hosting Matches
Lusail Stadium – Capacity & Featured Matches
The Lusail Stadium, with a capacity of 88,966, will host the final and several high-profile matches.
Al Bayt Stadium – Capacity & Featured Matches
The Al Bayt Stadium, accommodating 60,000 spectators, will also host crucial matches throughout the tournament.
Other Host Stadiums – – Details and Match Schedules.
These stadiums, all recently renovated or newly built, offer world-class facilities for players and fans alike. Detailed match schedules for each stadium are available on the official tournament website.
Stadium Map & Transportation Information
Qatar has invested heavily in its infrastructure, ensuring seamless transportation for fans between stadiums and accommodation.
Where to Watch the AFC Asian Cup
TV Channels & Broadcasting Rights
Broadcasting rights vary by region. In Asia, beIN SPORTS is a major broadcaster. Coverage is also available through various international sports channels.
Streaming Options – Official Streaming Platforms & Availability
Official streaming platforms provide live coverage of all matches. Check the official tournament website for details specific to your region. The rise of stake online platforms highlights the growing intersection of sports and digital entertainment.
Live Score Updates & Official Tournament Website/App
Stay updated with live scores, results, and news through the official tournament website and mobile app.
Tournament Format Explained
Group Stage Rules - Point System & Qualification Criteria
Teams earn three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the Round of 16.
Knockout Stage Rules – Extra Time & Penalty Shootout Procedures
In the knockout stage, matches tied after 90 minutes proceed to extra time (two 15-minute halves). If the score remains level, a penalty shootout determines the winner.
Tie-Breaking Criteria Explained
Tie-breaking criteria include head-to-head results, goal difference, goals scored, and fair play points.
Historical Data & Past Champions
A Look Back at Previous Tournaments & Winning Teams
Japan is the most successful nation in AFC Asian Cup history, with four titles. Saudi Arabia and Iran have both won three titles.
Key Statistics & Records
Ali Daei of Iran holds the record for the most goals scored in the AFC Asian Cup (14 goals).
News, Updates & Potential Upsets
Injury Reports & Team News
Stay tuned for the latest injury reports and team news, which can significantly impact team lineups and performance.
Expert Predictions & Analysis
Experts are predicting a closely contested tournament, with Japan, South Korea, and Iran as frontrunners.
Dark Horse Teams to Watch
Teams like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan could potentially cause upsets. A surprising result could even be influenced by outside factors, similar to how a stake can be made in various sporting outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Buy Tickets?
Tickets are available through the official tournament website.
Visa Requirements for International Fans.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Check the official Qatari government website for details.
Accommodation Options in Qatar.
Qatar offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly apartments.
