India men’s national team were paired with 2015 winners Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 after the draw in Doha on 11 May 2023. The Blue Tigers will be making their fifth appearance in the main tournament and for the first time in consecutive editions after their group stage finish in 2019. India made it to the final in the 1964 AFC Asian Cup which remains their best performance in competition history.
Group B
Australia (29)
Tajikistan (74)
Syria (90)
India (101)
(FIFA Rankings)
Without a doubt, India are placed in a tough group as expected at this top continental level competition but there is everything to fight for. The most difficult side to get past will be Australia who reached the round of 16 stage at the FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar last year and against whom the Blue Tigers began their journey in the 2023 Asian Cup. They met last time in the competition in the 2015 edition at the group stages, with the Socceroos running out 4-0 winners. Uzbekistan are also one of the stronger teams Igor Stimac’s side will face, so the real fight will be against Syria for the possible third place in the group. Six group winners, six runners-up, and four best third-placed sides will qualify for the knockout stages. India wishes to be among them to escape the group stages for the very first time in their competition history.
Fixtures
13 January 2024
Australia vs India - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan (17:00)
18 January 2024
India vs Uzbekistan - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan (20:00)
23 January 2024
Syria vs India - Al Bayt Stadium (17:00)
All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST)
For Detailed information on AFC Asian Cup 2023, check AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Final Stage Draw & Fixtures
