What is the AFC Asian Cup

What is the AFC Asian Cup

At the start of the season, few Liverpool fans would have worried about Wataru Endo heading off to the Asian Cup.  But such is his current form, losing the defensive midfielder for 4 weeks is a huge blow.

Japan begin their AFC Asian Cup campaign against Vietnam on the 14th January 2024.  By the time the competition ends four weeks later, Wataru Endo would potentially have missed games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Bournemouth and Burnley in the Premier League, as well as both legs of the Carabao Cup Semi Final, and the FA Cup 3rd round match against Arsenal.

It's not surprising then that Liverpool Manager, Jurgen Klopp, along with other European Managers, is unhappy at the timing of the event.  But what is the AFC Asian Cup, and why is it so important to the people of Asia?

Asian Cup - A Brief History

First held in 1956, the Asian Cup, is the main men's international football tournament in Asia.  From 1956 until 2004, the competition was held every 4 years, however, to avoid clashing with other major sporting events in 2008, the competition was brought forward a year, to 2007.  After that, the tournament reverted to a 4 year cycle, with a different host nation for each new competition.

Back in 1956, just 4 teams took part in the inaugral competition (South Korea (Champions), Isreal, Hong Kong & South Vietnam), but since then, the tournament has grown, with 47 countries now eligible to enter a qualifying tournament, and 24 teams making up the final.

Those 24 teams are split into six groups of four, with the top two teams from each group, as well as the four best third-placed teams progressing to a round of 16.  From there it is a straight forward knock-out tournament, with Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and the Final.

Liverpool FC General News | Latest news stories for LFC | Stay up to date with the Reds | LFC - Back On Our Perch

AFC Asian Cup 2024

Host Nation : Qatar
Start Date : 12th January 2024
Date of the Final : 10th February 2024
Venue of Final : Lusail Stadium
Current Champions : Qatar
Favourites to win in 2024 : Saudi Arabi, Japan
Country with the most victories : Japan - 4 Titles

Who are Japan grouped with?

Japan have been drawn in Group D of the tournament, alongside Indonesia, Iraq and Vietnam.  If Japan qualify, which they should, they could potentially meet Saudi Arabia or Australia in the Quarter Finals.

If you liked the article 'What is the AFC Asian Cup', then please like and share this page with your friends, or leave a comment below.

For all the latest Liverpool FC news - visit our dedicated news page, where you'll find breaking news, match reports, transfer gossip, injury news and much more.

Looking to earn some extra money?  Earn cash online by completing surveys, testing products and playing mobile games with Swagbucks.  Sign up for Free and start Earning today!

#LFC #Liverpool #LiverpoolFC #YNWA #TheReds #LFCBackOnOurPerch #Anfield #Football

... About The Author ...

Peter Farrell :: LFC - Back On Our Perch Author and Editor

Peter Farrell - Editor and Chief Article Writer, LFC - Back On Our Perch
Articles written by Author :: 559

Lifelong fan with a passion for all things Liverpool. First memory of football is watching John Barnes score a dramatic last minute equaliser in the FA Cup when he was 4. Feels lucky to be a part of the 'Klopp' era.

Other General News articles you might like to read...

  • Remembering Legendary Captain Ron Yeats
    By Peter Farrell
    7 September 2024
    Ron Yeats, who captained Liverpool over 400 times, has sadly passed away at the age of 86.  The Legendary defender was a key part of Bill Shankly's all-conquering team of the 1960's. […]
    1 Comment
  • Arne Slot era starts with a win
    By Peter Farrell
    20 August 2024
    Liverpool overcame a stubborn Ipswich Town to record another opening-day victory, thanks to second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mo Salah. […]
    1 Comment
  • Premier League football is back
    By Peter Farrell
    16 August 2024
    After an extended summer break, the Premier League returns later today, as the 2024/25 season gets underway with Manchester United welcoming Fulham to Old Trafford. […]
    No Comments
  • Every Liverpool player involved in Euro 2024
    By Peter Farrell
    20 June 2024
    Euro 2024 is in full swing, with twenty teams battling it out across the next two weeks, to determine the best team in Europe. […]
    No Comments
  • Premier League Fixtures released
    By Peter Farrell
    18 June 2024
    The fixtures for the 2024/25 Premier League season have been released today, with plenty of exciting games to look forward to on the opening weekend. […]
    No Comments

Affiliate Links & Disclaimer

This post may contains affiliate links, meaning, we promote products or services on external websites that we have used or know well and may receive a commission if you purchase them too (at no additional cost to you).  This helps keep LFC - Back On Our Perch free to use.  Our editorial decision making is not affected by the inclusion of such links.

*Please note that LFC - Back On Our Perch is a fan site and is not linked in any way to Liverpool FC.  For the official Liverpool FC website please visit liverpoolfc.com

Leave a Reply