AFC Asian Cup, A Glance at Continental Football Prestige and Evolution: Hosts, Champions and Other Podium Finishers Through History

The AFC Asian Cup, the premier football competition for senior men’s national teams in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), determines the continent’s champion.

Established in 1956, it is the second oldest continental football championship globally, following Copa América. The champion historically qualified for the FIFA Confederations Cup until 2015.

Originally held every four years, the tournament transitioned to a new cycle post-2004 due to scheduling conflicts. Dominated by teams like South Korea, Iran, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, other successful nations include Qatar, Australia, Iraq, and Kuwait.

Israel, despite winning in 1964, was expelled and joined UEFA. Australia, now an AFC member, won in 2015. The 2019 tournament expanded to 24 teams, with qualifying serving as part of the FIFA World Cup qualification.

As days are counted for Qatar 2024, we will delve into the history of the AFC Asian Cup, tracing its evolution from the inaugural 1956 event in Hong Kong to the expanded 2019 edition. Join us as we explore the champions, runners-up, and third-place contenders who have etched their legacies.

Also Read: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024: Format, Groups, Schedule, Teams, Venues!

AFC Asian Cup: Hosts, Champions, Runners-Up and Bronze Medalists From 1956 To 2019