Seven Nations Bid for 2031 AFC Asian Cup Hosting

The bidding process for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup has officially commenced, with a record seven countries expressing interest in hosting the tournament. The candidates include India, Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, the UAE, and a joint bid from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa praised the unprecedented number of bids, highlighting the tournament's growing prestige. The deadline for submitting the required documentation is March 31, 2025, as the AFC works to assess the bids. If successful, the joint bid by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan would mark the first time a top-level football event is hosted in Central Asia, although they face stiff competition from other nations. Preparations for the tournament will require significant stadium renovations to meet AFC standards by the decision date in 2026.