Which countries have shown interest in hosting AFC Asian Cup 2031 & 2035?

India also made a bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup.

The bidding race to host the continent’s premier international competition, the AFC Asian Cup, has heated up with multiple countries from different corners of Asia showing interest in hosting the prestigious tournament.

Amidst the rapidly evolving world order, the AFC Asian Cup no longer remains only about football but is now a statement of sporting ambition, geopolitical diplomacy and commercial intent. With the growing stature of Asian clubs, the tournament has gone far beyond a regional showcase to become a global product.

In this article, we take a look at all the countries that have shown interest in bidding for the AFC Asian Cup 2031 and 2035. We also take a ride down memory lane in the previous editions hosted by the bidding countries to find out who can be the next hosts of the premier Asian tournament.

Countries that have bid for the AFC Asian Cup 2031

1. Australia

After joining the Asian Football Confederation back in 2006, the Kangaroo nation successfully hosted the 2015 edition of the AFC Asian Cup. Australia is also currently hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 across three different cities – Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast.

They are one of the strongest teams currently, and won the tournament when they last hosted it back home in 2015. The Land Down Under has a vivid sports culture and hosts the AFC Asian Cup, just a year before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics could be a brilliant move.

2. India

At a time when there are ongoing talks of India bidding to host the 2036 Olympics, it becomes crucial for India to successfully host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup. Despite initially bidding for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, India dropped out of the race, awarding the hosting rights to Saudi Arabia.

India last hosted the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which was badly affected due to COVID. India is also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and recently hosted the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in the EKA Arena, Ahmedabad.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia jointly hosted the AFC Asian Cup 2007 alongside Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Indonesia recently hosted the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup after Peru withdrew their initial bid. Also, the AFC Futsal Asian Cup is taking place in Indonesia. So, all eyes will be on Indonesia if they win the bid to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031.

4. Korea Republic

South Korea will be keen to bring back Asia’s premier footballing competition to their country after a long wait of 71 years. They hosted it way back in 1960 and also won the championship at home. Apart from football, South Korea are set to host the 2026 World Squash Team Championships and the BWF Badminton World Tour Korea Open in September, later this year.

5. Kuwait

The Gulf nation has never hosted the AFC Asian Cup. However, looking at their recent bid to foster football by hosting the French Cup games, hosting PSG and Marseille, they can be a serious contender. Last year, they also hosted the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, where Bahrain defeated Oman to become the champions.

6. Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic

AFC also received a joint bid from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic to host the 2031 Asian Cup. Uzbekistan is set to host the 2029 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and Tajikistan hosted games of the CAFA Nations Cup in 2025, whereas the Kyrgyz Republic will also be keen to bring the continent’s biggest tournament

Which countries have bid for the AFC Asian Cup 2035?

Apart from the 2031 Asian Cup, four countries, Japan, the Korea Republic, Kuwait and Australia as well, have also expressed interest in bidding for the AFC Asian Cup 2035. Japan, one of the continent’s most successful teams, previously hosted the championship in 1992 and 2000 on home soil.

Korea Republic’s most recent hosting was in 1960, making it one of the earliest hosts of the competition, while Kuwait staged the tournament in 1980, the only time it has done so in its history. The AFC will now work with the respective football associations to coordinate the submission of formal bidding documents as per established timelines and regulations.

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