Stadiums that will Host the AFC Asian Cup 2023

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the organization that organizes the quadrennial Asian international men’s football championship, which will celebrate its 18th edition in 2023. After expansion in 2019, there will be 24 national teams participating, with Qatar serving as the defending champions.

Qatar will host the tournament, the AFC announced on October 17, 2022. Owing to the high summer temperatures and Qatar’s involvement in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2023, the competition was rescheduled for January 12–February 10, 2024, keeping the original name for sponsorship reasons.

The 2023 FIFA World Cup bid included five host cities, including seven stadiums ready for the 2022 competition. The AFC announced on April 5, 2023, that eight stadiums in four different cities would host the competition. Lusail Stadium was added as the ninth venue on August 21, 2023. The 2022 FIFA World Cup will take place in all but one of the host stadiums (Stadium 974), Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, which played host to games in the 2011 edition, and Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, which has never played host to a tournament before.

On January 12, the opening match will take place at Lusail Stadium in Lusail. The semi-final matches will take place at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan and Al Thumama Stadium in Doha; the final, which takes place on February 10, will be held at Lusail Stadium.

We’ll look more closely at the venues that will play host to thrilling games between Asia’s top teams in this article.

1. Al Bayt Stadium

This Al Khor stadium honors the rich cultural heritage of the region by drawing inspiration from traditional Qatari tents in its design. With 68,895 seats, Al Bayt Stadium is expected to offer football fans an incredible experience. On January 12, hosts Qatar will take on Lebanon in this location to begin their Asian Cup campaign, laying the groundwork for further pivotal matches.

2. Al Janoub Stadium

Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, with its conditioning technologies and retractable roof, is a marvel of innovation. Even in the scorching heat of Qatar, these features offer a welcoming environment for both players and spectators alike. With 44,325 seats, this stadium provides another large venue for fans to attend and watch Asia’s most important rivalries.

3. Al Thumama Stadium

Another stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, co-hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will now host the match between Vietnam and Japan on January 14. Doha’s Al Thumama Stadium is an architectural marvel that perfectly embodies the dynamic and contemporary spirit of the nation. Its proximity to the Hamad International Airport makes it easily accessible to international travelers.

4. Khalifa International Stadium

Holding 45,857 spectators, the Khalifa International Stadium will play host to the eagerly awaited match between Hong Kong and the UAE. Having played host to several important events, this stadium in Doha is among the most well-known locations in the city. Additionally, it has seen some upgrades following its 2022 World Cup hosting.

5. Ahmed bin Ali Stadium

The modern amenities and spectator-friendly facilities of this Al Rayyan stadium, named for the Qatari hero Ahmed bin Ali, promise an immersive football experience. The Blue Tigers’ opening game against Australia on January 13 will take place at the 45,032-seat Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, which was one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

6. Education City Stadium

Qatar’s commitment to sports and education is demonstrated by this stadium, which is located in the heart of Education City. It is a model of a sustainable sports facility because it combines modern design with eco-friendly features. Iran will play Palestine at the Education City Stadium on January 14. The stadium can hold up to 44,667 spectators.

7. Jassim bin Hamad Stadium

When it comes to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium is smaller than the other venues. With a 13,030 capacity, it is nevertheless one of the most well-known stadiums in Qatar. Here at the Jassim Hamad Stadium, Uzbekistan will take on Syria in its opening match. This stadium, which is in the heart of Doha, is a legendary place in Qatar.

8. Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium

The group stage match between China and Tajikistan is set to take place on January 13 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, which has a capacity of just 10,000 spectators. This Al Rayyan stadium is a fantastic football hotspot because of its excellent amenities and stellar attendance.

9. The Lusail Stadium

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 will take place against the spectacular backdrop of Lusail Stadium, the tournament’s crown jewel, showcasing Qatar’s aspirations for the future of next-generation football. Many football fans believe that this stadium is among the best in the world, having hosted the FIFA World Cup final the previous year.