The 2019 Asian Cup held in Doha, Qatar, made history as Qatar triumphed over Jordan to become the fifth nation to win back-to-back titles in Asia's men's showpiece. The tournament marked a departure from the usual narrative, as none of the traditional powerhouses such as Iran, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, or Australia reached the final. This shift raises questions about the future of Asian football and the growing competitiveness among emerging nations.
One notable aspect of this tournament was the tactical and technical improvement seen in the rising nations. Accessible information and globalized football have contributed to the rapid development of these teams. Despite having just one player from Europe between the two squads in the final, the teams showcased impressive performances throughout the tournament. Coaches like Hussein Ammouta, Petar Šegrt, Héctor Cúper, Shin Tae-Yong, and Srecko Katanec demonstrated their abilities to maximize the talent at their disposal and navigate challenges faced by their respective teams.
Moreover, there has been a significant investment in senior setups and junior national team programs across Asia. Initiatives such as Qatar's Aspire Academy and the Uzbekistan junior setup have provided young players with better opportunities for development and exposure to top-level coaching. This investment is complemented by the increased support for club football, as seen in the growing prominence of the Saudi Pro League and other Asian competitions.
Furthermore, the expansion of the Asian Cup to a 24-team format has given more nations exposure to high-level football. The inclusion of four third-placed finishers in the knockout stage has incentivized teams to adopt a resilient and competitive approach, making it harder for higher-ranked teams to break them down. This shift will likely also be observed in the 2026 World Cup, which will include 48 teams, putting even more pressure on traditional powerhouses and elevating former mid-tier nations in the pecking order.
While the rise of standards in Asia is evident, the heavyweight nations, despite occupying the possession statistic's top slots, struggled to maintain their dominance. Iran, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Australia experienced difficulties in breaking down perceived lesser opponents and lacked efficiency in possession. The Taeguk Warriors, for example, had the highest ball possession throughout the tournament but failed to convert it into goal-scoring opportunities.
It is important to note the challenges faced by these top nations during the tournament. A disrupted schedule, caused by China's withdrawal as hosts, and the relocation to the Middle East during the European club season affected their preparation. Despite these factors, all five traditional powerhouses advanced to the knockout stages, with two of them eventually reaching the semifinals. Additionally, success at the Asian Cup has historically not translated into strong performances at the World Cup.
This tournament has highlighted the need for Asia's elite nations to adapt their approaches and strategies when facing well-organized and robust defenses. While their long-term planning and technical improvements will still allow them to compete on the global stage, they must become comfortable with the burden of favoritism and find ways to break down resilient opponents.
It may be premature to suggest that the dominance of Asia's top-five nations is in jeopardy, especially with the expansion of the World Cup and the doubling of Asia's contingent. However, this tournament serves as a reminder that they should not take their position for granted. Other nations are steadily improving, and Qatar, with their consecutive Asian Cup victories, may be leading the way in challenging the established hierarchy. Breaking the cycle and making an impact at the 2026 World Cup could solidify their claim and reshape the continent's football landscape.
In the world of football, reputation and history no longer guarantee success. As Asian football continues to evolve, it is crucial for all nations to adapt and raise their game to stay competitive in the ever-changing landscape of the sport. Only time will tell how this transformative period in Asian football will shape the future, but one thing is clear: the balance of power is shifting, and the traditional powerhouses must respond to the challenge.
