Football unites nations in Asian Cup Qatar 2023

Once again, this great nation, Qatar, offers us unforgettable moments of passion and enjoyment with the most popular sport on the planet: football.
This time, it’s the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, inaugurated by the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on January 12, at the imposing Lusail Stadium in Doha. Twenty-four national teams are participating, featuring the best players in Asia, all chasing the same dream: reaching the winners’ podium.
Just a year ago, we were participants as fans of this sport of multitudes, in the stunning FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, considered one of the best in history. We witnessed an electrifying and competitive final match where Argentina emerged as World Champions, led by the current best player in the world: Lionel Messi.
In the opening match of the Asian Cup 2023, the Qatar national team secured a well-deserved victory against Lebanon.
Football is joy and connection, present everywhere: in our everyday conversations, gatherings with family and friends who share this passion, in our homes, and even in the grandeur of modern sports stadiums.
The games are more than just the players on the field. The tireless support and unwavering passion of the fans for their teams are integral to this grand sporting event.
This sport has been with us since childhood, leaving an indelible mark on our lives. We forge friendships and reconnect with loved ones over the shared love of the game, witnessing magical athleticism unfold on the emerald green pitch.
Football evokes a range of emotions – the exhilaration of victory, the dignified acceptance of defeat, and the camaraderie with fellow fans.
In my country, Peru, everyone plays football. It’s worth mentioning that the highest-altitude football stadium in the world, Daniel Alcides Carreon stadium, sits at a staggering 4,378m above sea level, nestled in the Peruvian Andes, in the mining city of Cerro de Pasco, recognised by FIFA, boasts a capacity of 8,000 spectators and offers a truly unique experience for players and fans alike.
National teams bring out the best in football. We come together, united by our colours and anthems, celebrating not just the sport, but our shared humanity.
Football fosters healthy competition and relentless pursuit of excellence. In 90 minutes, players tirelessly strive to score, their efforts met by the brilliance of goalkeepers and the dedication of their teammates.
Over time, football has become a true sport of the masses, accessible due to its simple requirements: a ball and a patch of land.
We are confident that this gathering of nations will be another historic event, further solidifying Qatar’s reputation as a world-class host for major sporting events. These events enrich our lives, offering a welcome escape from challenges and reaffirming our values of solidarity, unity, and the universal desire for peace.
Wishing success to all the participants and we express our heartfelt appreciation for the organisers who made this Asian Cup a resounding success sporting event that we experienced pleasantly in Qatar.