AFC Asian Cup 2023 ticket prices start at just Rs. 570

All tickets for the AFC Asian Cup will be e-tickets!

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is just around the corner and football enthusiasts in India have plenty to look forward to. The tournament is set to take place in Qatar from January 12th to February 10th, 2024 and it promises to be an exciting event for Indian fans. With tickets starting at just Rs 570, the accessibility of this tournament is a boon for football aficionados in India.

One of the most significant attractions for Indian fans is the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2022 infrastructure. The meticulous planning and state-of-the-art facilities developed for the World Cup are expected to enhance the overall experience for spectators at the AFC Asian Cup as well.

The Indian football team will be competing at their second consecutive AFC Asian Cup and they are placed in Group B alongside formidable opponents like Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. This group has been deemed challenging by Asian football experts, drawing comparisons to the 2019 edition, where India were grouped with Bahrain, Thailand and the UAE. It's a test of skill and determination for the Blue Tigers and fans are eager to see how they perform.

With over 700,000 Indians residing in Qatar, the Indian matches are expected to witness a full house. Many of these Indian residents are avid football enthusiasts, hailing from states like Kerala and other football-loving regions of India. Their presence is sure to create an electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums.

Nine stadiums will 51 host matches between 24 teams, drawn into six groups. Seven of the venues previously hosted matches during Qatar 2022 – Lusail, Al Bayt, Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Ahmad bin Ali, Al Thumama and Education City stadiums. Two other stadiums – Jassim bin Hamad and Abdulla bin Khalifa stadiums – have been added to the roster of state-of-the-art facilities that will host the tournament.

Speaking about the enthusiasm of Indian football fans, Hassan Rabeea Al Kuwari, Marketing and Communications Executive Director of the Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Local Organizing Committee, stated, "The development we saw in Indian football & ISL gives us lots of ambition that we will see good performance from the Indian national football team. As we have 700,000 Indians living in Qatar, those people are part of our community. They have always been a part of our events, not only in football but in different aspects or in the different events that we got."

One standout announcement by the AFC Asian Cup Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is the affordable ticket pricing, starting at just 25 Qatari Riyal (approximately INR 570 or $6.87). This makes attending the matches an attractive proposition for football fans.

Tickets will go on sale from 10th October and it's worth noting that all tickets will be e-tickets. Fans won't need physical tickets to enter the stadiums, making the process even more convenient.

Tickets can be purchased online through the official ticketing website.  Spectators from outside Qatar can also purchase tickets from the same website. Hayya will not be a mandatory prerequisite to enter stadiums.

At the AFC Asian Cup 2023, India will contest two Group B matches at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium against Australia and Uzbekistan. Notably, this stadium hosted the Argentina Vs Australia Round of 16 match and one semi-final at the FIFA World Cup 2022. India’s final group match is against Syria at the Al-Bayt Stadium, which also hosted runners-up France’s Round of 16 and semi-final matches at the World Cup.

Al Kuwari expressed his confidence in the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, stating, "Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is one of the best stadiums in Qatar, from everything including infrastructure, transportation and atmosphere. I think Indian fans will have one of the best moments at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium."

The Qatari government has also arranged for fans from 95 countries, including India, to avail visa on arrival facilities. Unlike the FIFA World Cup 2022, where the Havya (Qatar's mandatory health and safety app) was required for entry, the AFC Asian Cup offers more flexibility to international fans.

Fans attending the tournament will also have the opportunity to watch more than one match daily, thanks to the proximity of the stadiums and excellent transport facilities. This convenience mirrors the arrangements made during the World Cup. While details about free metro services are yet to be announced, the LOC has hinted that information will be provided soon.

Qatar's Ministry of Tourism has announced that alongside the AFC Asian Cup 2023, the country will host various cultural events, including a Food Festival, Qatar Expo, Shopping Festival, and Watches Expo. These events promise to add a vibrant and diverse dimension to the tournament experience for fans.

In conclusion, the AFC Asian Cup 2023 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for Indian football fans. With affordable ticket prices, a strong Indian presence in Qatar and top-notch facilities, the stage is set for an exciting competition. Indian football enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing their team take on the continent's best at this prestigious tournament while enjoying the rich cultural offerings of Qatar.