Qatar, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has it in them to organise the best-ever AFC Asian Cup in history, said Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.

The top official, who reposed his faith in Qatar, said the country had earned its place among the best host nations in global football history. The 2023 AFC Asian Cup will run from January 12 to February 10, 2024.

#AsianCup2023 Final Draw successfully concludes

Join us as we look back at the glittering event at Katara Opera House! pic.twitter.com/kcazBSQJns

— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) May 12, 2023

Qatar will thus become the first nation to host the continental competition three times, having organised it earlier in 1988 and 2011.

“The last time Qatar hosted the Asian Cup was in 2011. In just 12 years, we’ve all witnessed an era of great progress. Qatar has earned its place among the best host nations in global football history,” said Shaikh Salman, during the competition’s Official Draw ceremony at the Katara Opera House.

The continental showpiece had initially been scheduled to be held this summer in China, but was moved because of the country’s strict COVID-19 rules before Qatar stepped in as host.

Despite Qatar’s short preparation time, Shaikh Salman said the AFC was confident the country will still stage a memorable event.  

“We’ll stage the greatest-ever edition in January 2024 together with our friends from the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC). On behalf of the Asian football family, I want to express our gratitude to QFA and LOC. The stage is now set for a truly memorable chapter in the history of Asia’s most prestigious tournament,” said Shaikh Salman.  

#AsianCup2023 match schedule is finally out!

Defending champions, Qatar will face Lebanon in the opening match at the 68,895-capacity Al Bayt Stadium!

READ: https://t.co/uarGAvV1ea pic.twitter.com/7Dm3c8duwJ

— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) May 11, 2023

Qatar will open the tournament on January 12 with a Group A game against Lebanon at the  68,895-seat Al Bayt Stadium. They will then play Tajikistan on January 17 at the same venue before completing their group stage with a match against China at the 45,857-seat Khalifa International Stadium (January 22).

For the full tournament fixture, click here.

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