The 2019 edition of the AFC Asian Cup is set to be held for the first time in the United Arab Emirates from 5 January till 1 February. Title holders Australia are going to do everything in their power to repeat their triumph of 2015, where they won the trophy on home soil against South Korea. This time, however, they’ll have their work cut out for them as the number of participating team has risen from 16 to 24. Australia will begin their quest in Group B, along with Jordan, Syria and Palestine. Listed below are some of the most important things regarding the most significant trophy of the Asian Confederation.

HISTORY
The inaugural Asian Cup took place in 1956 in Hong Kong, with the participation of just four teams. South Korea won the trophy, while Israel (who were then a member of the confederation) took second place and the hosts came out third. The nation with the most trophies is Japan, who have four, while Saudi Arabia and Iran both share three cups. The nation who won the last tournament were of course Australia, who beat South Korea 2-1 after extra time in Sydney.

HOST NATION
The United Arab Emirates have been selected to stage this edition of the Asian Cup. A nation well-known for its advancements in technology, extremely hot climate and luxurious lifestyle. The games will be played in eight stadiums across four cities: the Zayed Sports City Stadium, the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium and the Al-Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, the Hazza Bin Zayed and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadiums in Al Ain and the Sharjah Stadium in the city of Sharjah. All semi-final matches will be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while the final is set to be held at the Zayed City Sports Stadium of Abu Dhabi. The level of success of the Asian Cup could prove to be a catalyst for the World Cup of 2022, that is set to take place in Qatar.

TEAMS
As mentioned earlier, 24 nations across Asia will vie for the trophy. Among the favourites to lift the trophy are Japan, who performed admirably at the recent World Cup in Russia, making it all the way to the round of 16 and getting narrowly eliminated by Belgium. South Korea and Saudi Arabia are also considered as popular options to make it all the way, as is Iran. Australia have fewer chances, yet no one could disregard the potential of a team playing on home soil with their fans backing them up, as the Socceroos displayed in 2015.

PLAYERS
There may not be any Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in this competition, yet there will be plenty of star players showing off their skills all over the Emirates for the next month. Most notable among them are Japan’s Yuya Osako and Yuto Nagatomo, Iran’s Sardar Azmoun and Saman Ghoddos and South Korea’s Son Heung-min and Ki Sung-yueng.

AUSTRALIA
This will be the first great test for Graham Arnold in his second tenure as coach of the Socceroos. The team has a lot to play for besides defending their title, as their performances in Russia were less than convincing, managing to score just two goals from awarded penalty kicks. Arnold will need to find solutions for many problems, since both former captains Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak decided to hang their shirts, while Aaron Mooy and wonder kid Daniel Arzani have been injured and will be unable to offer their services for the upcoming tournament. Further adding to Arnold’s headache is Tom Rogic, whose availability remains unconfirmed. Australia will begin the tournament on 6 January against Jordan. On 11 January they will play against Palestine, while their obligations in the group will conclude on 15 January, with Syria as their final opponent.