AFC publishes new dates and confirms eight stadiums for Qatar 2023 Asian Cup

April 6 - The Asian Cup Qatar 2023 will be played from January 12 to February 10, 2024 in eight stadiums across the country.

The AFC and the local organizing committee have confirmed the dates for the 18th edition of the Asian Cup and the second to be held with 24 teams, saying the competition "will be held over 30 days, i.e. two more than the 28-day 2019 edition in the United Arab Emirates as part of efforts to enhance the experience for passionate fans in Asia as well as the stature and commercial value of the competition."

Six of the eight stadiums were used in the Qatar 2022 World Cup: Al Janoub Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium. The 15,000 capacity Jassim bin Hamad Stadium and the 12,000 capacity Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, neither of which were 2022 World Cup match stadiums , will also be used for the Asian Cup.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: "We know that the Local Organizing Committee and the Qatar Football Association will put on a real spectacle never seen before in the history of the asian football.

“We have already seen the QFA and the Qatari authorities stage the best FIFA World Cup in modern football history, and we are confident that they will showcase their unparalleled hosting capabilities, at the state-of-the-art technology -an artistic infrastructure and warm hospitality well admired around the world for the benefit of our teams, our players and our passionate fans.”

Qatar stepped in at the last minute to host the 2023 Asian Cup after China withdrew, citing the pandemic as the reason for their withdrawal. Qatar had offered to host the 2027 Asian Cup, but withdrew its bid in favor of neighbors Saudi Arabia, who were granted the hosting rights for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Originally planned for the summer of 2023, the dates have been moved to early 2024 to avoid the Qatari summer heat in June/July and allow more time to organize the event which has been awarded at short notice .

The official draw ceremony will take place at the Katara Opera House in Doha on May 11, and the official match schedule is expected to be released shortly after the draw.

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