Which teams have qualified for AFC Asian Cup 2023 knockouts?

Two teams from two groups have already qualified to the AFC Asian Cup 2023 round of 16.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is officially underway. Every squad have already completed their first round of play and some are currently featuring in their second. Six groups of four teams each have been formed from the 24 best Asian teams. The top two teams from each group and four best third-placed teams will make it to the first stage of the knockouts. 

Undoubtedly, the 2023 AFC Asian Cup has gotten off to an exciting start, as evidenced by the numerous surprises and shocking results that have occurred throughout the first two matchdays of the group stages.

As of today, India are the only two sides who have lost their opening two games and have the least number of chances to make it to the next round. India must achieve the unimaginable in order to qualify.

All the teams have given their blood and sweat and have done everything in their power to put on a strong performance. But, out of the 24 teams, only 16 teams will go to the round of 16. 

And with four slots already filled, only 12 more places are up for grabs after matchday two. In this article let us take a look at the teams that have already qualified for the RO16 of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Group A – Qatar, Tajikistan

Hosts and defending champions Qatar became the first side to qualify for the knockouts of the continental championship after winning their first two games. Qatar defeated Lebanon 3-0 in their opening game and then pulled off a 1-0 victory over Tajikistan.

Tajikistan became the second side from Group A to qualify for the knockouts. And they have done it in their debut season at the continental championship.

Group B – Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria

In Group B, former Asian Champions and 2022 FIFA World Cup pre-quarter finalists Australia booked their tickets for the knockout stage. The Socceroos started their campaign with a strong 2-0 win over India and then overcame Syria with a 1-0 victory. Uzbekistan became the second team to qualify from Group B. They racked up four points in three games. They won the game against against India an held Australia and Syria to a draw

Group C – Iran, United Arab Emirates, Palestine

Iran became the first side from Group C to confirm a place in the knockouts. they pulled off two back-to-back wins in their opening games and have accumulated six points. United Arab Emirates suffered a defeat to Iran in their last group game but made their way to the RO16.

Group D – Iraq, Japan, Indonesia

In Group D, Iraq have done the unthinkable and have qualified ahead of title favourites Japan. Iraq won their first game against Indonesia and then sent shockwaves across Asia with their miraculous performance against the Samurai Blue.

Japan have now qualified after defeating Indonesia in their last group game.

Group E – Bahrain, South Korea, Jordan

Three teams – Bahrain, South Korea and Jordan made their way to the RO16.

Group F – Saudia Arabia, Thailand

Saudi Arabia became the first side from Group F and the fifth overall to qualify for the knockouts of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

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