Doha: Qatar will begin their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive AFC Asian Cup title against Thailand on January 11 after the final match schedule for the 2027 continental showpiece in Saudi Arabia was confirmed on Monday.
The back-to-back champions, drawn in Group F which also includes Japan and Indonesia, will open their campaign at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh before facing Indonesia five days later.
Qatar's second group match is scheduled for January 16 at Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, while their final group clash against four-time champions Japan will take place on January 20 at King Saud University Stadium.
The schedule confirmation gives Julen Lopetegui's side a clearer picture of their route as they prepare to defend the crown they retained with a 3-1 victory over Jordan in the final in February 2024.
Qatar are chasing a historic third successive title, having also triumphed at the 2019 edition. Japan, however, will pose a major challenge in a group that also features Thailand and Indonesia, with the top two teams and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the Round of 16.
The knockout stage will begin on January 22, with the quarter-finals scheduled for January 28 and 29. The semi-finals will be played on February 1 and 2 before the tournament reaches its climax on February 5 at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh.
The final, scheduled to kick off at 8pm, will determine the new champions of Asia.
The 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup is being staged in Saudi Arabia for the first time, with the tournament opening on January 7 when hosts Saudi Arabia face Palestine at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh.
The 24-team competition will feature 51 matches across eight stadiums in three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. Riyadh will host matches across five venues, Jeddah two and Al Khobar one.
