Overview
The AFC Asian Cup is the premier international football tournament in Asia, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It began in 1956 and is the second-oldest continental championship after Copa América.
Since its creation, the competition has expanded significantly in size and competitiveness. What started with just seven teams has now grown to a 24-nation tournament. The event is held every four years and has showcased the rise of Asian football, with nations like Japan, Iran, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia becoming consistent contenders.
Most Successful Nations
| Nation | Titles |
|---|---|
| Japan | 4 |
| Iran | 3 |
| Saudi Arabia | 3 |
| South Korea | 2 |
| Qatar | 2 |
Selected Recent Finals
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Japan | Australia | Qatar |
| 2015 | Australia | South Korea | Australia |
| 2019 | Qatar | Japan | UAE |
| 2023 | Qatar | Jordan | Qatar |