Explained: Why Australia are playing in AFC "Asian" Cup?

Australia were initially from the Oceania zone but later shifted to the AFC.

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup will unveil its 18th edition on January 12 with hosts and defending champions Qatar taking on Lebanon in the opening game. The continental championship will see the best of Asia take on each other for the highly coveted title.

Australia who are in Group B will open their campaign with a game against India on Saturday. The Socceroos have been part of the continental showpiece only since 2007 and have already won it once.

In this article, we will take a look at why Australia are playing in the AFC Asian Cup despite being a part of Oceania.

Australia before joining AFC

Australia moved from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) back in 2006. The Socceroos left the OFC due to frustration for not being able to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Why did Australia leave OFC?

Australia were the strongest team in Oceania, but were never given a guarantee of an automatic place in the FIFA World Cup because the Oceania zone winner only receives a 0.5 for the main tournament, forcing them to compete in the intercontinental play-offs on a regular basis.

After a series of heart-breaking defeats, Australia opted to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in order to assure an easier path to the competition. 

Australia after joining the AFC

After joining the AFC, Australia became one of the favourites to represent Asia at the World Cup. Ever since making the switch to AFC, the Socceroos have been a part of every FIFA men’s World Cup since 2006.

They have also made it to the RO16 twice, including once in 2022. Currently the team from down under is the fourth highest-ranked Asian team in the FIFA rankings behind Japan, Iran and Korea Republic. 

Australia have also been one of the most consistent teams at the AFC Asian Cup, having made it to the knockouts every year. They won the championship in 2015 before finishing as the runners-up in 2011.

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