AFC confirms India’s bid to host 2031 Asian Cup; Australia and Japan interested in the 2035 edition

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed in an official statement on Wednesday that India has submitted a bid for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup.

India was one of six bidders vying for the hosting rights, alongside Australia, South Korea, Kuwait, Indonesia and a joint bid from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

“The AFC Asian Cup™ is undoubtedly one of the greatest success stories and the latest edition in Qatar has firmly established Asia’s flagship event as one of the best football competitions in the world,” said Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, AFC President.

“The record number of bids we received is further evidence of the stature and appeal of the AFC Asian Cup, and on behalf of the AFC Executive Committee, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our MAs for setting out their ambition to extend and expand our proud legacy.”

The bidding process for the 2031 Asian Cup was completed last year, while that for the 2035 edition was circulated to member associations on August 27, 2025, with the entry period closing on December 31, 2025.

After the deadline passed, the AFC confirmed that Australia, Japan, South Korea and Kuwait have formally expressed interest in hosting the 2035 edition.

The Confederacy is expected to confirm hosting of both quadrennial continental showpieces at a single annual congress, upon proposal of the President.

“The AFC will now work with the respective BMAs (member bidding associations) to coordinate the submission of the required bidding documentation,” it said in a statement.

Published on February 4, 2026