Excitement builds as Qatar gears up for Asian Cup kickoff

DOHA, Jan 11(KUNA): The upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2023 is set to commence in Doha, Qatar, on Friday, January 12, featuring the participation of 24 Asian teams. Divided into six groups, the tournament will see the top two teams from each group, along with the four best-ranked third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stage.

Taking place across nine stadiums, including Lusail Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, and Al Thumama Stadium, the opening match will see hosts Qatar facing Lebanon at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City.

The groupings are as follows: Group A - Qatar, Lebanon, China, and Tajikistan; Group B - Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, and India; Group C - Iran, UAE, Hong Kong, and Palestine; Group D - Japan, Indonesia, Iraq, and Vietnam; Group E - South Korea, Malaysia, Jordan, and Bahrain; and Group F - Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, and Oman.

The group stage will run until January 25, followed by the round of 16 starting on January 28 and concluding on January 31. The quarterfinals are scheduled for February 1 and 2, with the semifinals taking place on February 6 and 7. The tournament will culminate with the final at Lusail on February 11.

Qatar, having emerged victorious in the 2019 Asian Cup by defeating Japan 3-1 in the final held in the UAE, will strive to defend their title on home turf.