DOHA: The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ has achieved a historic milestone by setting a new all-time attendance record of 1.06 million spectators, marking a remarkable feat in the tournament’s 68-year history.
This record was established after 63,753 passionate fans filled the Al Bayt Stadium to witness defending champions Qatar secure victory over Palestine in the Round of 16 on Monday.
The 18th edition of Asia’s premier football event has officially surpassed the previous attendance record of 1.04 million, which was set almost two decades ago during the 2004 edition held in China PR.
Datuk Seri Windsor John, the General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), expressed his sentiments, saying: “From the very beginning, we knew that the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 would take its place as the most accessible and engaging edition in the tournament’s history.
Football has the undeniable power to unite communities, and nowhere is that more palpable than right here in Qatar on Asia’s most prestigious stage.”
“This achievement is a tribute to our passionate fans and our dear friends from the Qatar Football Association and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organising Committee, and the AFC would like to extend our deep sense of gratitude to all our stakeholders and the people of Qatar for their unrivaled and warm hospitality.”
Jassim Al Jassim, CEO of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organising Committee (LOC), emphasized that record-breaking attendances showcase Qatar’s prowess in hosting world-class sporting events.
He stated, “Once again, Qatar has reaffirmed its place as a global sporting capital. Our modern infrastructure and operational experience have enabled us to deliver yet another accessible and culturally engaging tournament to the highest standards.”
Al Jassim added, “We’re delighted to be setting records this early in the tournament. With 11 matches still to go, the best is yet to come, with many teams showcasing exceptional performances.”
After 40 matches, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ currently ranks second in the average attendance charts, with 26,672 fans attending each match to demonstrate their support.
This achievement comes after the tournament recently surpassed the historic 1.5 billion mark in terms of digital engagement.
Notably, this marks the second time that a spectator attendance benchmark has been achieved in Qatar, with 82,490 fans setting a new record for an opening match in AFC Asian Cup™ history when title-holders Qatar defeated Lebanon at the spectacular Lusail Stadium on 12 January.
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