Top five favorites to win AFC Asian Cup 2023

Japan are the most successful team in AFC Asian Cup, having lifted the title on four occasions.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is scheduled to start from 12th January with hosts Qatar taking on Lebanon in Group A. There is a sense of excitement among the fans from Asia as they will witness the biggest tournament in Asia. In 2019, Qatar secured its maiden continental championship, triumphing over Japan, who had previously clinched the title four times. As they gear up to compete on their home turf, there is heightened anticipation for Qatar to deliver another noteworthy performance.

Japan stands once more as a prominent contender in the race for victory in Asian football’s premier competition. Other powerhouse nations, including Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Son Heung-min’s South Korea, are also vying for success. South Korea, in particular, are eager to break their prolonged championship drought, with their last victory dating back to 1960.

Here is a look at the top five favorites who can win the AFC Asian Cup 2023:

5. Qatar

The challenge lies ahead for Qatar, the host nation, as they endeavor to replicate their triumph from 2019. Although they have experienced players who play club football in Europe and will surely bring in their experience, the national team is reliant on formidable displays from forwards Almoez Ali and Akram Afif, both boasting impressive records with over 100 caps each. They will be one of the strong contenders for the 2023 edition of the Asian Cup.

4. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, with six appearances in the finals and a record of three victories, promise to be a captivating team to observe. Seeking to replicate their triumph in 1988 on Qatari territory, Saudi Arabia are hot favourites to emerge as the leader in Group F. They will surely present a tough challenge to the top Asian teams if they qualify for the knockouts.

3. Australia

Australia are set to make their fifth appearance at the tournament, having previously secured a runners-up finish in 2011 and winning it in 2015. They are a strong side as they performed well in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and went to the round of 16. The Socceroos boast a squad that strikes a smooth balance between youthful talent and seasoned experience and will be another primary contender to clinch the title.

2. South Korea

South Korea claimed victory in the initial two editions of the AFC Asian Cup in 1956 and 1960. However, as they enter their 15th appearance in the finals, they are still in pursuit of a third success. They have reached the final on four occasions since their last triumph, with the most recent being in 2015 where they were defeated by Australia in extra time. With two in-form Premier League forwards, Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan, South Korea will be one of the biggest contenders for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 crown.

1. Japan

Japan are certainly the favorites to win the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Led by Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, the Samurai Blue enter the event on the heels of an outstanding World Cup performance. They notably clinched the top spot in a group that included powerhouse teams such as Germany and Spain and shocked the world. Japan boast an impressive track record at the AFC Asian Cup, reaching the finale in five out of their nine appearances. With the likes of Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan in their ranks, they will surely look to cause problems for all the other teams.

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