AFC · National Championship
AFC Asian Cup
In US-sports termsThe Euros of Asia — 24 nations every four years, spanning half the planet from Tokyo to Riyadh.
What it is
Asia's continental championship, played every four years — Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are the recurring heavyweights.
How you get in
Qualify through AFC's regional qualifying rounds.
What it feeds
Continental bragging rights; World Cup spots come via AFC's separate (and expanded — 8+ for 2026) qualifying campaign.
Australia plays here, not in Oceania — they switched confederations in 2006 specifically to face tougher competition. Imagine a college program jumping conferences for a harder schedule.