The 17th edition of the AFC Cup is underway in the UAE. Here's all you need to know as Australia hope to defend their title and where to watch the Socceroos, South Korea, Japan, and more.

The 17th edition of the AFC Asian Cup is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates, and after four years of waiting, fans will get to see their national sides in action over the course of a bit over three weeks. This is the second time the UAE are serving as hosts after first hosting the quadrennial tournament in 1996.

Reigning champions Australia, who lifted the title for the first time four years ago, will be hoping to become the first back-to-back winners since Japan won consecutive titles in 2000 and 2004. However, the Socceroos will certainly face a stern challenge from the likes of Japan and South Korea, as well as perhaps even the hosts, who finished in third place back in 2015.

This latest installment of the Asian Cup is especially notable as there will be 24 teams competing in it for the first time. Prior to this, there had been 16 teams starting in 2004, and with more teams means more potential for breakout stars to show their talents on the international stage.

Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, and Yemen are three sides making their debut thanks to this new expanded format, while Lebanon has given their fans plenty to celebrate after qualifying for their first tournament since their own debut in 2000. Here is everything you need to know about the first major international competition of 2019.

What are the 2019 AFC Asian Cup dates?

  • Opening match: United Arab Emirates vs Bahrain - January 5, 2019
  • Group Stage: January 5-17, 2019
  • Round of 16: January 20 and 21, 2019
  • Quarter-Final: January 24 and 25, 2019
  • Semi-Final: January 28 and 29, 2019
  • Final: February 1, 2019

What are the 2019 AFC Asian Cup fixtures?

Check here for a comprehensive list of fixtures from the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

How to stream 2019 AFC Asian Cup matches online in Australia and around the world

In Australia: Kayo Sports

In Japan: NHK BS 1

In the United Arab Emirates: beIN SPORTS CONNECT

In Algeria: beIN SPORTS CONNECT

How to watch 2019 AFC Asian Cup matches on TV in Australia and around the world

In Australia: Fox Sports 505

In Japan: TV Asahi

In South Korea: JTBC3 Fox Sports and SBS ESPN Korea

In the United Arab Emirates: beIN MAX 1 and beIN MAX 2

In Algeria: beIN MAX 2 and beIN MAX 1