Australia has formally expressed its interest in hosting the 2031 men’s Asian Cup, while a collaborative bid from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan seeks to bring the prestigious tournament to Central Asia. On Monday, Football Australia (FA) confirmed the submission of their Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Asian Football Confederation, stressing their ongoing commitment to bolstering the sport within Australia and on the global stage.
“Football Australia is delighted to confirm that it has submitted an Expression of Interest to host the AFC ASIAN CUP 2031 Finals,” stated an FA spokesperson. This announcement arrives just a year before Australia is set to host the Women’s Asian Cup in 2025, highlighting its growing influence in the footballing world after having successfully hosted and won the men’s tournament in 2015.
In tandem, the joint bid from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan marks a significant step for these nations, none of which has hosted the men’s Asian Cup previously. Uzbekistan is set to host the women’s tournament in 2029, and Central Asian Football Association President Rustam Emomali emphasized the cultural richness and passionate fan bases in the region. “The AFC Asian Cup is more than a football tournament; it is a celebration of unity, progress, and sporting excellence,” he noted.
Australia and the Central Asian nations are joining a competitive field that includes EOI submissions from the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Indonesia, all vying for the opportunity to host this significant quadrennial event. The upcoming edition of the men’s Asian Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027, marking an exciting time for football in Asia.
This development not only showcases the diverse interest in hosting major international football events but also strengthens the bonds and cultural exchanges through the shared passion for the sport throughout the continent.
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