AFC Asian Cup 2024: Full Schedule & Dates
Introduction to AFC Asian Cup 2024
Overview of the Tournament
The AFC Asian Cup is the premier international football championship contested by the national teams of Asia, determined by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Established in 1956, the tournament showcases the best football talent from across the continent. The competition provides a platform for Asian nations to battle for continental glory and secure a place in footballing history. While fans enjoy the spectacle, many also find entertainment elsewhere - some are active on platforms like bc game online, seeking a different kind of thrill.
Host Nation & Venues
Qatar is honored to host the AFC Asian Cup 2024, continuing its commitment to becoming a global sporting hub. The tournament will be played across eight state-of-the-art stadiums, all of which were used during the FIFA World Cup 2022. These venues boast world-class facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for players and fans alike.
Participating Teams – Qualification Process Briefly Mentioned
A total of 24 nations will compete in the AFC Asian Cup 2024. The qualification process involved a series of qualifying rounds, where teams battled for the remaining spots alongside the automatically qualified host nation and previous tournament champions. This rigorous process ensured that only the most competitive teams made it to the final tournament.
Key Dates & Tournament Format (Group Stage, Knockout Rounds)
The tournament kicks off on January 12th, 2024, and culminates in the final on February 10th, 2024. The competition is divided into a group stage followed by a knockout stage. The group stage consists of six groups of four teams each, with the top two teams from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the Round of 16. The knockout stage then proceeds with Round of 16, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, a Third-Place Playoff, and the Final. For those looking for quick wins while enjoying the matches, options like bc game provide alternative entertainment.
Group Stage - Complete Schedule & Dates
Group A – Fixtures, Dates, Times (Detailed)
- Jan 12: Qatar vs Lebanon (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 12: China vs Tajikistan (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 17: Lebanon vs China (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 17: Tajikistan vs Qatar (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 22: China vs Qatar (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 22: Tajikistan vs Lebanon (20:30 Local Time)
Group B – Fixtures, Dates, Times (Detailed)
- Jan 13: Australia vs India (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 13: Uzbekistan vs Syria (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 18: Syria vs India (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 18: Uzbekistan vs Australia (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 23: India vs Uzbekistan (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 23: Syria vs Australia (20:30 Local Time)
Group C – Fixtures, Dates, Times (Detailed)
- Jan 14: Iran vs Palestine (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 14: Hong Kong vs UAE (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 19: Palestine vs Hong Kong (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 19: UAE vs Iran (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 24: Hong Kong vs Iran (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 24: Palestine vs UAE (20:30 Local Time)
Group D – Fixtures, Dates, Times (Detailed)
- Jan 15: Iraq vs Indonesia (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 15: Japan vs Vietnam (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 20: Indonesia vs Vietnam (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 20: Japan vs Iraq (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 25: Vietnam vs Iraq (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 25: Japan vs Indonesia (20:30 Local Time)
Group E – Fixtures, Dates, Times (Detailed)
- Jan 16: South Korea vs Bahrain (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 16: Jordan vs Malaysia (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 21: Bahrain vs Malaysia (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 21: Jordan vs South Korea (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 26: Malaysia vs South Korea (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 26: Bahrain vs Jordan (20:30 Local Time)
Group F – Fixtures, Dates, Times (Detailed)
- Jan 17: Saudi Arabia vs Oman (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 17: Thailand vs Kyrgyzstan (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 22: Oman vs Kyrgyzstan (17:30 Local Time)
- Jan 22: Saudi Arabia vs Thailand (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 27: Kyrgyzstan vs Saudi Arabia (20:30 Local Time)
- Jan 27: Thailand vs Oman (20:30 Local Time)
Key Group Stage Matches to Watch
Matches featuring established teams like Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are expected to draw significant attention. The clash between Australia and Uzbekistan in Group B is also poised to be a thrilling encounter. Sometimes, accessing bc game login problem can be far less stressful than the drama on the pitch!
Knockout Stage – Schedule & Dates
Round of 16 – Fixtures & Potential Matchups (Based on Group Stage Results - Placeholder/Explanation)
The Round of 16 fixtures will be determined based on the final standings of the group stage. Matches will be scheduled between January 29th and February 1st.
Quarter-Finals – Schedule (Dates & Times – Placeholder, dependent on Round of 16)
The Quarter-Finals are slated for February 2nd and 3rd. The exact match times will be confirmed after the Round of 16.
Semi-Finals – Schedule (Dates & Times – Placeholder, dependent on Quarter-Finals)
The Semi-Finals will take place on February 6th and 7th. Specific kick-off times will be announced following the Quarter-Finals.
Third-Place Playoff – Date & Time
The Third-Place Playoff will be held on February 9th, determining the bronze medalist of the AFC U23 Asian Cup and overall third-place team.
Final – Date, Time & Venue
The grand finale of the AFC Asian Cup 2024 will be held on February 10th at the Lusail Stadium, the very same venue that hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final.
Where to Watch & Live Streaming Details
TV Broadcasters by Region (List key broadcasters – e.g., beIN SPORTS, ESPN, etc.)
Broadcasting rights vary by region. beIN SPORTS will be a primary broadcaster across the Middle East and North Africa. ESPN will provide coverage in the United States. Other regional broadcasters include Sky Sports (UK), CCTV (China), and Sony Sports Network (India).
Live Streaming Options (Official AFC platforms, other streaming services)
Fans can also enjoy live streaming through the official AFC Asian Cup website and app. Other streaming services like ESPN+ (US) and beIN SPORTS CONNECT (MENA) will also offer live coverage.
Official Tournament Website & App
The official tournament website (https://www.afcasiancup.com/) and mobile app are excellent resources for schedules, results, news, and live updates.
Teams to Watch & Key Players
Top Contenders Analysis (e.g., Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Australia)
Japan, the defending champions, are always a strong contender. South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia also possess formidable squads and a rich footballing history, making them frontrunners for the title. The AFC Asian Cup 2024 schedule is packed with potential upsets, but these teams are consistently at the top.
Players to Watch (Highlight key players from different participating nations)
Son Heung-min (South Korea), Almoez Ali (Qatar), Mehdi Taremi (Iran), and Salem Al-Dawsari (Saudi Arabia) are just a few of the star players to watch out for.
Potential Dark Horses
Uzbekistan and Jordan have been steadily improving their performance in recent years and could spring a surprise or two.
Tournament Rules & Regulations (Brief Overview)
Tie-breaking Criteria in Group Stage
If teams are tied on points in the group stage, the following criteria are used: 1) Head-to-head results, 2) Goal difference, 3) Goals scored, 4) Fair play points, 5) Drawing of lots.
Knockout Stage Rules (Extra Time, Penalties)
Knockout stage matches are played with two halves of 45 minutes each. If the score is still level after extra time, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Historical Context & Past Winners
Brief History of the AFC Asian Cup
The first AFC Asian Cup was held in 1956 in Hong Kong. Initially, the tournament was held less frequently, but since 1988, it has been contested every four years.
List of Past Champions
Japan (4 times), Saudi Arabia (3 times), Iran (3 times), South Korea (2 times), Israel (1 time), Kuwait (1 time), Qatar (1 time), Iraq (1 time), Australia (1 time), UAE (1 time).
Recent Tournament Performance (last few editions)
- 2019: Qatar (Champions)
- 2015: Australia (Champions)
- 2011: Japan (Champions)
- 2007: Iraq (Champions)
