AFC Asian Cup Knockout Stage: Group Stage Performances, Players to Bet On, Where to Watch, and Odds

The 2023 Asian Cup group stage matches are done and dusted, and 16 teams advance to the knockout stage.

The Asian Cup tournament started with 24 teams in six groups, and only the top two teams from each standing were guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage. However, the four best third-place finishers will also go to the knockout stage.

The group-stage action concluded on Wednesday, and several favorites are marching on as expected, but there have also been surprises. Here, we look at which teams have progressed to the last 16. 

Qatar (WWW)

Qatar, the leader of Group A, had a 100% win record at the group stage of the 2023 Asian Cup, beating all their opponents in a comfortable style. Can they continue their winning form at the knockout stage?

Tajikistan(DLW)

Tajikistan qualified for the last 16 dramatically when they played a draw in their first match, lost their second, and won their last match against the 10-man Lebanon team.

Australia (WWD)

Australia secured the top spot in Group B at the AFC Asian Cup, though their performance wasn't 100%. They recorded two wins and a draw in their group-stage match to advance to the knockout stage.

Uzbekistan (DWD)

Uzbekistan finished second with five points after winning just one match and playing two draws. Uzbekistan entered the final round of group-stage action, needing to avoid defeat to advance. They played a 1-1 draw against Australia to get the desired result.

Iran (WWW)

Iran booked their place in the second round of the last 16, but they ensured they finished on a high with a 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates. Will they be considered favorites for the final?

United Arab Emirates (WDL)

United Arab Emirates advanced as the second runner-up in Group C after conceding less than Palestine, which is on the same level. Can they advance to the knockout stage with their performances?

Iraq (WWW)

Having wrapped up the top spot on match day 3, Iraq finished the group stage on a positive note with a 3-2 win over Vietnam.

Japan (WLW)

Japan was considered one of the top contenders to win the AFC Asian Cup but finished as a second runner-up with six points in Group D, which was enough to guarantee their spot in the round of 16.

Bahrain (LWW)

Bahrain emerged as the runaway leader of Group E after finishing their group-stage campaign with two consecutive wins and a loss to one of the favorites, South Korea.

South Korea (WDD)

South Korea, one of the AFC Asian Cup favorites, advanced to the knockout stage as the second runner-up, having won only their first match and played draws in their other two matches.

Saudi Arabia (WWD)

Saudi Arabia emerged as the surprise package in Group F, with an unbeaten record of two wins and a draw.

Thailand (WDD)

Thailand booked their place in round 16 before the final match round, winning once and playing two draws.

Who are The Best Four in Third Place Playing in the Knockout Stage?

Jordan (WDL)

Jordan is considered one of the best third-place teams in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, having won four points, scored six goals, and conceded three goals in total in Group E.

Syria (DLW)

Syria is considered second of the best third-place teams in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, having won four points, scored one goal, and conceded one goal in total in Group B.

Palestine (LDW)

Palestine is considered third of the best third-place teams in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, having won four points, scored five goals, and conceded five goals in total in Group C.

Indonesia (LWL)

Indonesia is considered fourth of the best third-place teams in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, having won three points, scored three goals, and conceded six goals in Group D.

AFC Fixtures and Dates

• Tajikistan Vs. United Arab Emirates on January 28, 2024, with odds in favor of the United Arab Emirates on 1xbet
• Australia Vs. Indonesia on January 28, 2024, with odds in favor of Australia on 1xbet
• Iraq Vs Jordan on January 29, 2024, with odds in favor of Iraq on Bet365
• Qatar Vs. Palestine on January 29, 2024, with odds in favor of Qatar on Bet365
• Saudi Arabia Vs. South Korea on January 30, 2024, with odds in favor of South Korea on 1xBet
• Uzbekistan Vs. Thailand on January 30, 2024, with odds in favor of Uzbekistan on 1xBet
• Iran Vs Syria on January 31, 2024, with odds in favor of Iran on Bet365
• Bahrain Vs. Japan On January 31, 2024, with odds in favor of Japan on Bet365

Favorite Teams To Advance To The Quarterfinals

• United Arab Emirates to qualify for the next stage at 1.40 odds on 1xBet
• Australia to score a penalty at 3.50 odds on 1xBet
• Iraq to qualify for the next stage at 1.50 odds on Bet365
• Qatar to win at full time at 1.45 odds on Bet365
• South Korea to qualify for the next stage at 1.37 odds on 1xBet
• Uzbekistan to qualify for the next stage at 1.30 odds on 1xBet
• Iran to qualify to score in Second half at 1.40 odds on Bet365
• Japan to score in first half at 1.44 odds on Bet365

Player to Watch and Bet On

Aymen Hussein

Aymen Hussein is the highest goalscorer at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, with five goals, helping Iraq secure the top spot.

Heung-min Son

Tottenham star Heung-min Son has been excellent so far in the AFC Asian Cup, scoring two consecutive important goals for South Korea to book their spot in the knockout stage.

Kang-In Lee

Kang-In Lee has played a significant role in the attack, scoring three goals in the tournament.

Sultan Adil

Sultan Adil has been good so far in the tournament for the United Arab Emirates, banging two consecutive goals.

Martin Boyle

Martin Boyle has been good so far in the tournament for Australia, scoring one goal.

Mehdi Taremi

Porto striker Mehdi Taremi scored two goals for Iran in his last match against the United Arab Emirates.

Where to Watch The 2023 AFC Asian Cup

Here's how to watch the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup match across selected areas of the world's major regions:

TV Streaming

Bookmaker Live Streams

You can also watch the action of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup knockout stage live for free on your phone when you register as a bettor on any of these bookmakers:

• 1xBet

• Bet365

• BetWinner

• Betano

• 22bet