MUSCAT: The stage is set for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup draw in Qatar, which will be held on May 11 at the Opera House in Katara, Doha. The draw's features have been completed following the announcement of the new Fifa rankings.
The Qatar national team, the hosts and defending champions of the last edition, has been placed in the first pot to ensure that they play the opening match on January 12, 2024. The first pot also includes Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, ranked from second to sixth in the Fifa rankings.
The second pot includes Oman alongside Iraq, the 2007 champions, the United Arab Emirates, who hosted the previous edition in 2019, Uzbekistan, who reached the final in 2011, and China, who finished as runners-up twice. Bahrain, Syria, Palestine, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan and Lebanon are placed in the third pot.
India, Tajikistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia are placed in the fourth pot.
The tournament will feature 24 teams divided into six groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams. The final match will take place on February 10, 2024.
The AFC has announced that the championship matches will be held at eight stadiums, including six stadiums that staged the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which are Al Janoub Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, as well as joined by Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. The 2023 Asian Cup will span for 30 days, an increase of two days from the previous version held in 2019 in the UAE.
The draw ceremony will be attended by historical stars in the continent of Asia, along with the coaches of the 24 teams participating in the tournament. The 2023 Asian Cup aims to enhance the experience for passionate football fans in Asia and elevate the tournament's status.
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