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Posted On: 7 January 2024 05:00 pm
Updated On: 9 February 2024 05:21 pm

All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

Vrinda Abilash
Vrinda Abilash
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The legacy of hosting global sports continues after the World Cup, and Qatar, once again, has proven itself a fantastic location to hold world-class tournaments. The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is all set to take place in Qatar and will see Asia’s top 24 nations eyeing one of the most prestigious titles in Asian football.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have teamed up to give fans an unforgettable experience. Let's take a look at the different aspects of the tournament

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Keep this article bookmarked as we will be updating it with all the important and exciting happenings of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ tournament!

When is the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ taking place?

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
Image credit: AFC Asian Cup™

The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ is all set to take place from 12 January - 10 February 2024.

What does the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ official logo mean?

All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
Did you know these things about the logo?

Many different elements make up the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ logo.

  • The top of the logo represents an Asian lotus flower.
  • The flower is encased within a maroon background, representing Qatar's colours.
  • The silver-coloured wings represent the national bird of Qatar - the falcon.
  • The narrowing silver body in the middle represents the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ trophy.
  • The font of the text "AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™" is a tribute to Arabic calligraphy.
  • The dot at the bottom represents the Arabic calligraphy dot called Nuqta.

Where is the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ taking place in Qatar?

What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
Image credit: AFC Asian Cup™
  1. Lusail Stadium
  2. Al Janoub Stadium
  3. Al Bayt Stadium
  4. Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium
  5. Al Thumama Stadium
  6. Education City Stadium
  7. Khalifa International Stadium
  8. Jassim bin Hamad Stadium
  9. Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium

Which countries have qualified for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ qualified teams.

A total of 24 teams qualified for the tournament.

What are the groups for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
Image credit: AFC Asian Cup™

The final draw for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ took place on 11 May 2023 at the Katara Opera House.

GROUP A

  • A1: Qatar
  • A2: China
  • A3: Tajikistan
  • A4: Lebanon

GROUP B

  • B1: Australia
  • B2: Uzbekistan
  • B3: Syria
  • B4: India

GROUP C

  • C1: IR Iran
  • C2: United Arab Emirates
  • C3: Hong Kong, China
  • C4: Palestine

GROUP D

  • D1: Japan
  • D2: Indonesia
  • D3: Iraq
  • D4: Vietnam

GROUP E

  • F1: Korea Republic
  • F2: Malaysia
  • F3: Jordan
  • F4: Bahrain

GROUP F

  • F1: Saudi Arabia
  • F2: Thailand
  • F3: Kyrgyz Republic
  • F4: Oman

What is the match schedule & fixtures for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

Round of 16 match fixtures

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
Image Credit: AFC Asian Cup

Tournament Schedule

What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
Image credit: Press Release

Hosts Qatar will face Lebanon on 12 January 2024 at 7 pm, Qatar time, at Lusail Stadium. Lusail Stadium will host opening and final matches of AFC Asian Cup 2023™.

How to buy tickets for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

Image credit: Press Release

The tickets for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ are available to purchase through the official ticketing website - http://asiancup2023.qa. Spectators can book seats for any of the 51 matches that will take place in Qatar between 12 January and 10 February 2024.

Prices for group stage match tickets start at QR 25.

What are the available ticket categories? 

All prices are in Qatar Riyals.

Opening Match

  • Cat 1: QR 250
  • Cat 2: QR 100
  • Cat 3: QR 30
  • Accessibility: QR 30

Group Stage and Round of 16

  • Cat 1: QR 60
  • Cat 2: QR 40
  • Cat 3: QR 25
  • Accessibility: QR 25

Quarter Final and Semi-Final

  • Cat 1: QR 100
  • Cat 2: QR 60
  • Cat 3: QR 30
  • Accessibility: QR 30

Final

  • Cat 1: QR 250
  • Cat 2: QR 100
  • Cat 3: QR 30
  • Accessibility: QR 30

How to resell the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ tickets?

All you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
Image credit: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

On 7 January 2024, AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ launched the official platform for ticket resale. To learn the step-by-step process on how to release your tickets on the official website, click here.

Who are the fan favourite players in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
Who is your favourite player?

Here are some top players you need to watch out for in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, as fans are expecting some stellar performances from them in this tournament. We've curated a list for you!

    How to get to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ stadiums?

    All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Check out how to easily reach the stadiums to attend the matches.

    Got tickets to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ matches but wondering how to get to the stadiums? Here's the complete guide on how you can reach the stadiums to attend the matches.

    • Here's the metrolink and metroexpress service update announced for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.
    • Doha Metro & Lusail Tram will operate from 12 pm onwards on Friday, 12 January 2024 only for the opening of AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.
    • A free shuttle service will be available from Lusail, Al Wakrah, Free Zone and Qatar University stations to Al Bayt, Al Janoub, Al Thumama and Abdullah bin Khalifa stadiums, respectively.
    • Doha Metro & Lusail Tram announces service timing update for Friday, 19 January 2024.

    What are the prohibited items at the stadiums for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

    For a safe tournament experience, certain prohibited items in the stadiums have been listed that matchgoers must comply with. As per the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ ticketing terms and conditions, all ticket holders are subject to security screening before entering.

    Here are the prohibited items at the stadiums for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

    What is the official and final match ball for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

    Image credit: AFC

    The official match ball is named VORTEXAC23, and it represents the host nation Qatar with maroon and white as the colours of choice. The ball features the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ emblem at the centre and is also inspired by the colours and shapes used in the emblem. The design of VORTEXAC23 was created by AFC’s Official Global Supporter of National Team Competitions, Kelme.

    What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Image credit: AFC Asian Cup™

    VORTEXAC23+ has been revealed as the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Final official match ball. Its gold colour takes inspiration from the desert sands of Qatar, which combines elegantly with the nation’s traditional maroon colour. The contrast reflects the competitive spirit and the gold depicts the glory of competing for the AFC Asian Cup™ title. VORTEXAC23+ was designed by the AFC’s Official Global Supporter of National Team Competitions, Kelme.

    Who are the mascots of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

    What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Say hello to Saboog, Tmbki, Freha, Zkriti, and Traeneh!

    The much-anticipated mascots for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™️ were revealed on 1 December 2023.

    The mascots, Saboog, Tmbki, Freha, Zkriti, and Traeneh, belong to a family of 5 jerboas, a rodent found in the deserts of Qatar. They are the brainchild of Qatari artist Ahmed Al Maadheed. He created a set of characters resembling a traditional Qatari household that pays tribute to all 4 corners of the country. Here is a little bit about each mascot:

    • Zkriti: He is the green-coloured father of the family who is named after the Zekreet region in the west of the country.
    • Traeneh: She is the purple-coloured mother who is named after Traana in the north of Qatar.
    • Saboog: He is the blue-coloured rodent and is the son of the family. The name is derived from the commonly used term for the desert rodent in Qatar.
    • Freha: Pink-coloured Freha is the family's eldest daughter and is named after the place in northern Qatar.
    • Tmbki: He is the yellow-coloured younger son in the family, named after the Timbic region in the country's east.

    What is the official song of AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

    "Hadaf", which translates to "goal" in English was released on 1 January 2024 as the the official song of AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

    The song is produced by Katara Studios, written by Heba Hamada and sung by Qatari singer Fahad Al Hajjaji & Kuwaiti singer Humood Al Khudher.

    Where to watch the live screenings of AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

    All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Can't make it to the stadiums? Watch the matches here!

    Can't make it to the stadiums to watch the matches? You can enjoy live match screenings of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ along with other festivities within the fan zones!

    What are the events lined up for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™?

    All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Are you ready to take part in the events?

    A range of events and festivities like parades, fireworks shows, fan zone experiences, traditional & bubble shows, and more are all set to take place at different locations in Doha for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™! Take part in them and have a great time!

    AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ to be an accessible experience for everyone

    AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 to be accessible to everyone
    Image credit: Local Organising Committee (LOC)

    Several accessibility features have been put in place to ensure a barrier-free user experience for disabled fans throughout the tournament.

    Stadiums are equipped with accessible entrances and seating for wheelchair users and fans with limited mobility, sensory rooms for fans with sensory access requirements, and audio descriptive commentary services for blind and partially sighted fans will also be available.

    Fans with sensory needs are able to be part of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ excitement in a safe and comfortable environment. The tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) has set up sensory rooms at three stadiums: Al Bayt, Lusail and Education City. The spaces allow fans to watch matches in a quieter space, equipped with assistive technology and managed by expert staff.

    Tobacco and smoke-free AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ stadiums

    AFC asian cup qatar 2023 smoke free stadiums
    Image credit: Shutterstock

    The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ stadiums are tobacco and smoke-free. Designated smoking areas will be allocated in open areas outside the stadiums.

    Women to referee at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ for the first time

    What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Image credit: Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

    For the first time, women match officials will make their debut at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

    Yoshimi Yamashita from Japan officiated the India vs Australia match in Qatar on 13 January 2024, becoming the first woman to do so in the history of the tournament. For the match, she had the support of Japanese assistant referees Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi.

    The other women include referee Jacewicz Katherine Margaret from Australia and assistant referee Kim Kyoung Min from South Korea.

    Semi-Automated Offside Technology to be debuted at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

    What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Image credit: AFC

    Match officials at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ will be able to enhance their decision-making process with the Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) system, which will be implemented at all 51 matches of the tournament.

    This marks the first time that SAOT will be in place at an AFC competition and makes the AFC the first Confederation in world football to apply the system at the Continental Men's national team level.

    Where to buy the official AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ merchandise and jerseys?

    All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Did you buy your team jersey yet?

    Want to buy a jersey to support your team at the matches? You can get your hands on them from these official merchandise stores in Qatar. Check them out and get your hands on jerseys, accessories, soft toys and more!

    How do you get vehicle license plates with AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ logo in Qatar?

    All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
    Image credit: Ministry of Interior

    Now you can get plates featuring the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ logo installed for your vehicles in Qatar!

    It is installed in accordance with the following guidelines:

    • Pay the prescribed fees.
    • First registration of the vehicle is not required.
    • It is not permissible to imitate or install the logo, and anyone who violates it exposes himself to legal accountability.
    • The logo is available for the private board only.

    Please contact the Ministry of Interior's Traffic Department directly if you would like to get it installed.

    AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ breaks record of 1.04 million tournament attendees on 29 January 2024

    AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 attendance record
    Image credit: Press release

    The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ makes history, breaking the tournament’s historic attendance record of 1,068,587 during the knockout stage match between Qatar and Palestine.

    The 18th edition of the championship hosted by Qatar has seen massive fans from across Asia make their way to Qatar’s stadiums to support their team from the stands.

    Where to watch the AFC eAsian Cup 2023?

    Things to do in Doha: 4-10 February 2024
    Image credit: AFC Asian Cup™

    The AFC eAsian Cup 2023 is taking place in Doha until 5 February 2024. This is the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s first-ever esports event that showcases 19 teams from the AFC’s Member Associations who are currently participating in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

    Divided into four groups of three teams and two groups of four, each team comprises two main players and one substitute and will participate in highly competitive 12-minute matches in a 2v2 format. The matches will be played on Konami’s eFootball 2024 and will see the participants use PS5 consoles as they aim to go down in history as the winners of the first-ever AFC eAsian Cup.

    Which countries are participating for AFC eAsian Cup 2023?

    • Group A: Qatar, Tajikistan, Lebanon
    • Group B: Uzbekistan, Syria, India
    • Group C: Iran, UAE
    • Group D: Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam
    • Group E: South Korea, Malaysia, Jordan, Bahrain
    • Group F: Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Oman

    Click here to watch!

      Some interesting facts about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

      What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
      Image credit: AFC Asian Cup™
      • The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee on 17 October 2022 confirmed Qatar as the host for the AFC Asian Cup 2023™.
      • Qatar is hosting the AFC Asian Cup for the 3rd time.
      • Qatar has the most individuals serving on the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) standing committees.
      • Qatar will become the first country to host three Asian Cups after 1988 and 2011.
      • Qatar's opening match with Lebanon will be its 40th match in the history of the tournament.
      • The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has officially bid to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup™.
      • An additional 90,000 tickets for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ were sold within the first 24 hours of a second batch being released on 19 November 2023.
      • The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) has agreed to donate revenue from tournament ticket sales to support urgent relief interventions in Palestine.
      • 6,000 volunteers have been recruited to support 20 functional areas across the tournament.
      • The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) partnered with local charity Hifz Alnaema to redistribute unused food on match days to workers and other beneficiaries as part of its wider tournament sustainability strategy.
      • A range of medical services were made available to players, workforce, volunteers, fans and visitors across the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ venues. In partnership with Aspetar, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) provided medical services at stadiums, non-competition venues, training sites and team base camp hotels.

      Some FAQs about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

      What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
      Image credit: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

      Planning to witness the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™? Here are all your queries answered: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ queries (FAQs).

      Local Organising Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

      What you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
      Image credit: Press Release

      The Local Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 is headed by H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani as Chairman, and Mr. Jassim Rashid Al Buenain as Vice-Chairman. Mr. Mansoor Mohammed Al-Ansari is a member of the Local Organising Committee and the Managing Director of the tournament.

      The other members of the Local Organising Committee are:

      • Mr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Buenain
      • Mr. Ibrahim Khalil Al Muhannadi
      • Mr. Hani Talib Ballan
      • Mr. Mansoor Mohammed Al Ansari
      • Mr. Ghanem Ali Al Kuwari
      • Mr. Muhammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi
      • And a representative from the Ministry of Interior

      Free metro rides for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ ticket holders on match days

      All you need to know about AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™
      Image Credit: Shutterstock (for representation purposes only)

      Fans with match tickets can enjoy complimentary rides on all Doha Metro lines on the specified match days. During the tournament, match ticket holders can collect a free Day Pass by presenting their ticket for the day (or any future matches) at Doha Metro and Lusail Tram stations. Fans can enjoy convenient travel to stadiums and other key destinations with the Day Pass.

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        Source: AFC Asian Cup™