Qatar hosting the AFC Asian Cup

Qatar go into the tournament as defending champions having picked up their first title five years ago with a surprise victory over four-times champions Japan in Abu Dhabi.

Following China's withdrawal as hosts because of its rigid "zero-COVID" policy, Qatar will now also stage the tournament for the third time in its 68-year history. China's footballing gold rush has petered out since it won hosting rights and Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most powerful forces in the game.