2023 Asian Cup: Counting the days

The goal of the hosts, Qatar, is to retain their 2019 title.

The most prestigious international football championship in Asia will begin play on January 12, 2024. The countdown is begun.

The COVID-19 outbreak forced the 2023 Asian Cup—which was originally scheduled to take place in China—to relocate to Qatar. The FIFA World Cup in 2022 prevented Qatar from hosting the games at that time, hence in spite of the tournament’s name, it was moved to 2024.

After hosting the historic FIFA World Cup in 2022, the Gulf nation is prepared to host another significant international competition. Just over a year ago, one million football fans showed up, and history was made.

Additionally, the Asian Cup has had a big impact on the nation’s recent football history. The competition was held in 1988 and 2011 in Qatar. And once more in 2019, when they declared the event winners and raised the prized trophy. At the storied Lusail Stadium, the Maroons play Lebanon to start the season. The stadium will always be associated with a memorable World Cup final in which Lionel Messi hoisted the trophy.

Messi [centre] lifted the trophy in Lusail last December

There will be seven matches played at the elite Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium throughout the tournament. The venue manager, Ahmad Al Qatami, told FOOTBALL NOW that the matchup offers supporters an opportunity to remember the FIFA World Cup’s triumph:

“We see the AFC as an additional chance to see the large numbers of individuals we truly missed. The World Cup is missed by all. We had a fantastic time. Thus, in order to carry on with the World Cup, we need to hold AFC matches in large stadiums with full attendance. The fans will once more take use of all the amenities in Qatar. The AFC games are scheduled for the winter, so the stadiums will have a nice ambiance.”

Numerous individuals from all nations and backgrounds come together through the volunteer scheme. One goal unites them all: giving back to their local community.

The CEO of The Asian Cup, Jassim al Jassim, witnessed firsthand how crucial the support team is to organising a successful competition when he helped at the 2011 games.

In addition to doing what they do best, volunteers are the backbone of the operation because of the amazing beneficial effects they have on everyone around them. There’s always a pleasant vibe in the organisation whether you visit the volunteer centre or any other location where there are volunteers working since they seem to like what they do. But they are unquestionably the backbone of any competition. Both from an operational and a social standpoint, they are crucial to any competition.

Volunteers at Qatar 2022 were integral to the event’s successODD ANDERSEN/AFP or licensors

Numerous teams, including four-time record winners Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Australia, and current champions Qatar, will be deserving of the title. They are among the favourites to win because of the widespread respect accorded to their manager, Carlos Queiroz. However, Matt Monaghan, the English Middle East Correspondent for Sport360, clarified that the competition might open doors for a breakaway squad.

“The UAE could be something to watch at the Asian Cup. due to their consecutive Asian Cup semi-final appearances. Paolo Bento, who is regarded as South Korea’s most successful manager to date, is now their manager. Thus, the UAE has a relatively new history and one of Asia’s most experienced international managers. I’m curious to see how they handle this. Matt came to an end.

Another indication that the Middle East is quickly rising to prominence among the football world’s hotspots is the Asian Cup. In addition to holding a number of significant international competitions, the Saudi Pro League has drawn some of the biggest names in sports.

“I believe that the Middle East is rapidly bridging its divide with Europe. Thus, it may be concluded that the Asian teams are making progress. Jassim Al-Jassim speaks with assurance.

The entire football world is still keeping an eye on the Middle East, whether it is through elite players in Saudi Arabia or important tournaments in Qatar. The focus on the region will only intensify with less than 50 days till the whistle blows to officially kick off the month-long 2023 Asian Cup.