The final list of candidates to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup has been revealed, with Tajikistan, alongside Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, included in the bid.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially concluded the submission period for associations expressing interest in hosting the 2031 and 2035 AFC Asian Cups. This process was initiated by AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who proposed that the hosts for both tournaments be confirmed in a single Congress.
The bidding process for the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups has now ended, and the AFC will move to the next stage: collaborating with the candidate associations to prepare the full bid documentation in accordance with regulations and deadlines.
According to the AFC, six bids for the 2031 tournament have made it to the final stage, including those from Australia, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, and a joint bid from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
An earlier bid from the UAE was withdrawn at the end of November. The AFC is expected to announce the host country in 2026. The 2027 Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia.
For the 2035 tournament, the candidates are: Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Kuwait.
Interest in hosting the Asian Cup remains at a record level. According to the AFC President, this reflects the rapid rise in the tournament’s status, which, after the most recent edition in Qatar, has become one of the most prominent competitions in world football. The tournament set new records for attendance and digital reach, attracting dozens of broadcasters and audiences in hundreds of countries.
The AFC expects that the future hosts of the 2031 and 2035 tournaments will not only provide high organizational standards but also leave a legacy of infrastructure development, increased football interest, and an enhanced international image.
The final decision on the hosts for the 2031 and 2035 Asian Cups will be submitted for approval at the AFC Congress.