AFC Asian Cup 2023: Schedule & Key Dates

Introduction to AFC Asian Cup 2023

Overview of the Tournament

The AFC Asian Cup is the premier national team football championship of Asia, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This quadrennial event brings together the continent’s best footballing nations to compete for the coveted title. The 2023 edition promises thrilling encounters and fierce competition as teams vie for glory. For fans looking for a break from the action, platforms like bc game offer alternative entertainment.

Host Nation & Venues

Qatar is the proud host of the AFC Asian Cup 2023, having stepped in to replace China. The tournament will be played across eight state-of-the-art stadiums, many of which were used during the FIFA World Cup 2022. This provides a fantastic infrastructure and promises a superb experience for players and supporters alike.

Participating Teams – Qualified Nations

Twenty-four nations have qualified for the tournament, representing a diverse range of footballing prowess from across Asia. These include established powerhouses like Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia, alongside rising stars and debutants eager to make their mark. Interested in high-stakes games? Consider exploring bc hash game for a different kind of thrill.

AFC Asian Cup 2023: Full Match Schedule

Group Stage – Fixtures & Dates (Broken down by Group: A, B, C, D, E, F)

The group stage will see teams battle it out in six groups, with the top two from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stages.

Group A Schedule

Group A features Qatar, Lebanon, China, and Tajikistan. Matches are scheduled throughout January, kicking off the tournament with exciting matchups.

Group B Schedule

Comprising Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, and Jordan, Group B is expected to be a closely contested affair.

Group C Schedule

Iran, Hong Kong, Palestine, and the UAE make up Group C. This group promises tactical battles and passionate support.

Group D Schedule

Iraq, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia will compete in Group D, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful energy.

Group E Schedule

Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand will contest group E with many anticipating stiff competition.

Group F Schedule

South Korea, Bahrain, Malaysia, and Jordan complete the group stage lineup in Group F.

Round of 16 – Schedule & Potential Matchups

The Round of 16 will be filled with intense drama as teams fight for a place in the quarter-finals. Matchups will depend on the final group standings. Getting to bc game sign in can offer some downtime between matches.

Quarter-Finals – Schedule & Potential Matchups

Eight teams will remain in contention after the Round of 16, battling it out for a spot in the semi-finals. The quarter-final matchups will be determined by the results of the previous round.

Semi-Finals – Schedule & Potential Matchups

The semi-finals will showcase the four best teams in the tournament, with a place in the final up for grabs. These matches are expected to be nail-biting encounters.

Final – Date, Time & Venue

The final match is scheduled for February 10th, 2024, at Lusail Stadium – the same iconic venue that hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022 final.

Key Dates & Important Milestones

Opening Ceremony Details

The opening ceremony took place on January 12th, 2024, at Lusail Stadium, setting the stage for a month of captivating football.

Group Stage Completion Date

The group stage concluded on January 25th, 2024, determining the 16 teams that would progress to the knockout rounds.

Round of 16 Start Date

The Round of 16 commenced on January 28th, 2024, with thrilling matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Final Match Date

As mentioned, the final is set for February 10th, 2024.

Official Draw Date & Recap

The official draw for the tournament took place on August 17th, 2023, in Doha, Qatar. It laid out the initial group stage matchups and ignited anticipation for the tournament.

Broadcasting & Streaming Information

TV Channels Broadcasting the Tournament (regional breakdown)

Broadcasting rights vary by region. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), beIN SPORTS is the official broadcaster. Various other regional networks hold the rights across Asia and globally.

Live Streaming Options (platforms & accessibility)

Live streaming options are available through beIN SPORTS CONNECT, as well as other regional streaming platforms depending on the viewer’s location. Many broadcasters also offer live streaming on their websites or apps.

Qualification Process – How Teams Reached the Tournament

Qualification Stages Overview

The qualification process involved multiple stages, with preliminary rounds followed by group qualification. Teams were ranked based on their performance in these stages.

Notable Teams that Qualified

Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, and Qatar were among the early qualifiers, showcasing their consistent strength in Asian football.

Teams that Missed Out on Qualification

Several strong teams, such as North Korea, failed to qualify for the tournament, highlighting the competitive nature of the qualification process. The competition is fierce, sometimes even rivalling the excitement found on platforms like bc game.

Tournament Format Explained

Group Stage Rules & Tiebreakers

Each team plays three matches in the group stage. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss. Tiebreakers include goal difference, goals scored, and head-to-head results.

Knockout Stage Rules

The knockout stage consists of single-elimination matches. If a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time is played. If the score remains level after extra time, a penalty shootout determines the winner.

Goal-Line Technology & VAR Implementation

To ensure fair play and accurate decision-making, the tournament utilizes both Goal-Line Technology and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems.

Teams to Watch & Key Players

Top Contenders – Predictions & Analysis

Japan, Iran, and South Korea are consistently considered top contenders due to their strong squads and established footballing infrastructure. Australia, with their experienced players, is also a strong contender.

Emerging Teams – Ones to Watch

Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan are emerging teams with promising talent and potential to surprise their opponents.

Key Players to Follow – Star Players from Each Nation

Son Heung-min (South Korea), Sardar Azmoun (Iran), and Takumi Minamino (Japan) are among the key players to watch, capable of producing moments of brilliance. Fans following the 2023 afc asian cup schedule will want to keep a close eye on these stars.

Historical Context – AFC Asian Cup Legacy

Previous Winners & Notable Moments

Iran and Japan are the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, having won the title four times each. Notable moments include Australia’s unexpected victory in 2015 and Iraq’s stunning triumph in 2007.

Tournament Records & Statistics

Ali Daei of Iran holds the record for the most goals scored in the AFC Asian Cup, with 14 goals.

Evolution of the AFC Asian Cup Over the Years

The tournament has evolved significantly over the years, expanding in size and scope. From its humble beginnings, it has grown into a prestigious event that showcases the best of Asian football. Monitoring the afc asian cup table will provide insights into the tournament's progress and standings.