The draw for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 placed the Qatari team in Group A alongside Australia, Jordan and Indonesia.
The tournament will see 16 teams competing for the title of the 6th edition of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, held from April 15 to May 3, 2024 in Doha.
Group B includes the teams of Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and China.
Defending champion Saudi Arabia placed in Group C alongside Iraq, Thailand and Tajikistan, while Group D includes Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Kuwait and Malaysia.
Mead Al Emadi, person-in-charge of the event and fan experience in the organizing committee of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, expressed her happiness in Doha hosting this event for the second time, noting that it holds great importance as it qualifies for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
Al Emadi added in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Qatari team has a great chance of reaching the Olympics. She wished them success during the 6th AFC U-23 Asian Cup and the ability to present the performance they hope for and achieve victories that please the fans.
Qatar national team media official Saad Safar Al Kuwari said that the competition won't be easy for the Qatari team, as they will be competing with teams such as Australia and defending champion Saudi Arabia. He affirmed that the technical staff of the team is hoping to present a well-fitting performance and qualify for the Olympics.
Al Kuwari pointed out in press statements that all participating teams showed strong performances during the qualifying stage, making the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 a thrilling tournament.
The Qatari team has been partaking in a preparatory program that began a while ago and will continue until the start of the tournament. This includes playing several friendly matches to best prepare the team, Al Kuwari explained.
The teams that finish in the first three places in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 will qualify directly for the football competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The team that places fourth will face the fourth-placed team in the finals of the U-23 Africa Cup to determine the final team competing in the Olympics in Paris.
Having competed in the Los Angeles 1984 and Barcelona 1992 editions, the Qatari team aims through the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 to qualify for the Olympics and compete for the third time in its history.
