Qatar Prepares to Elevate Asian Cup to New Heights Following World Cup Success

Lusail Stadium

A year after achieving acclaim for hosting the historic and acclaimed FIFA World Cup, touted as the best-ever in the tournament's history, Qatar is now poised to deliver another exceptional sporting event—the Asian Cup. An official from the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has confirmed that preparations are on track for what is expected to be the greatest edition of the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) flagship international tournament.

Taking place from January 12 to February 10, the Asian Cup will feature the top 24 teams from the continent competing across nine stadiums. Notably, seven of these venues were previously host to World Cup matches last year. This marks Qatar's third time hosting the premier continental competition after staging it in 1988 and 2011.

Building on the success of the World Cup, the forthcoming Asian Cup is anticipated to set new benchmarks in the hosting of the continental showpiece. The tournament will kick off with defending champions and hosts Qatar facing Lebanon in the opening match on January 12 at the iconic Lusail Stadium—a venue that will also host the final on February 10.