AFC Asian Cup Champions

See a complete list of AFC Asian Cup Champions, including every winning national team since the tournament began in 1956. Qatar are the defending champions after defeating Jordan 3–1 in the 2023 final. Japan leads all nations with four AFC Asian Cup titles, followed by Saudi Arabia and Iran with three each.

Fast Facts:

• The next AFC Asian Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, under the revised schedule announced by the AFC.

• Japan holds the record for the most AFC Asian Cup championships with four titles (1992, 2000, 2004, 2011).

• Qatar is the defending AFC Asian Cup champion, winning consecutive titles in 2019 and 2023.

• Iran won three consecutive AFC Asian Cup championships in 1968, 1972, and 1976, the longest winning streak in tournament history.

• The AFC Asian Cup began in 1956, with South Korea winning the inaugural championship.

• Australia joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006 and won its first AFC Asian Cup championship in 2015.

• Saudi Arabia will host the next AFC Asian Cup, scheduled for December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028, pending FIFA approval of the revised dates.

AFC Asian Cup Champions:

Note: The AFC Asian Cup tournaments from 1956 through 1968 used a round-robin format, with no championship final.

Most AFC Asian Cup Championships