Tajikistan, Uzbekistan & Kyrgyz Republic unite for 2031 AFC Asian Cup bid

Central Asia has the opportunity to host the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in history.

The bidding war for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup took an interesting turn following a joint bid from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic joined forces to host the continental football showpiece. If they win the bid, the success would mark the first time the AFC Asian Cup will be held in the region.

In a promising attempt to bring Central Asian football to new frontiers, the opportunity to host the continental tournament is significant. All three countries show a steady trend of improvement in football development and will be keen to take the next step through this golden opportunity.

A game-changing bid for Central Asia

The AFC Asian Cup is Asia’s premier international football tournament with a long and prestigious history of countries announcing themselves to the world through football. Hosting the event in Central Asia would be a landmark moment for the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA).

Despite producing talented footballers and passionate fan bases, the region has never hosted a major continental tournament. The joint bid represents a singular effort to elevate Central Asian football onto the global stage and beyond. An opportunity to host the tournament will also foster and encourage more young athletes to follow the game and even pursue careers within football.

ALSO READ: I-League: Inter Kashi awarded 3 points following successful appeal against Namdhari FC

CAFA president knows the magnitude of this opportunity

While talking about potentially hosting the event, CAFA president Rustam Emomali posted on Instagram stating, “Central Asia has a deep-rooted football culture and a passionate fan base, and we are confident that together Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic can deliver an exceptional tournament that leaves a lasting legacy.”

He also described the tournament as more than a simple tournament; it is a celebration of unity, progress, and sporting excellence. The bid showcases the growth of football in these countries and their commitment to infrastructure development, football expansion, and regional unity.

Why does this AFC Asian Cup bid matter for Central Asia?

The competition has been dominated by East, West, and South Asian hosts, with countries like Japan, China, UAE, and Qatar frequently organizing the event. In recent years, Central Asian teams have shown remarkable progress.

Uzbekistan has consistently been a strong force in Asian football, while Tajikistan recently made headlines by qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 for the first time. While the Kyrgyz Republic is still a work in progress, it has also become competitive in international football. Hosting the tournament would further boost the development of the sport in these nations.

CAFA will face competition for the 2031 hosting rights

While Central Asia has put forward a strong United case, the AFC Asian Cup 2031 hosting rights are reportedly expected to be highly competitive. Football powerhouse countries like South Korea or Australia can make the race an exciting one to follow.

The AFC will carefully evaluate all the bids based on various criteria, including stadium readiness, infrastructure development, financial viability, and overall commitment to football growth. With the final decision expected to be announced in the coming years, a win for Central Asia would be a historic moment for the region’s aspirations to make a name for themselves in the world’s game.  

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.