Defending champions Qatar and China PR will fancy their chances of advancing to the Round of 16 with Lebanon’s previous campaigns having ended in the group stage while Tajikistan will be making their Finals' debut.

However, the AFC Asian Cup has always delivered surprises and Qatar and China will have to tread with caution. 

Qatar
Previous Appearances: 10
Best Finish: Champions - 2019 
2019 Result: Champions 
Fun Fact: Qatar’s previous best prior to winning the 2019 title was quarter-final appearances in 2000 and 2011

China PR
Previous Appearances: 12
Best Finish: Runners-up - 1984, 2004 
2019 Result: Quarter-finals 
Fun Fact: China PR have featured in every edition of the Finals since making their debut in 1976

Tajikistan
Previous Appearances: Nil 
Fun Fact: Tajikistan will be making their Finals’ debut after six previous attempts ended at the qualifying stage

Lebanon
Previous Appearances: 2
Best Finish: Group Stage 
2019 Result: Group Stage
Fun Fact: Lebanon’s first appearance in the Finals was when they hosted the 2000 edition 

Australia’s target is to regain the title they won in 2015 while Uzbekistan will be determined to go further after being eliminated in the Round of 16 in the previous edition.

Syria and India, however, will feel they have a chance as well, setting the stage for some exciting matches in Group B.

Australia
Previous Appearances: 4
Best Finish: Champions - 2015
2019 Result: Quarter-finals 
Fun Fact: Australia have never failed to advance to the knockout stage since their first appearance in 2007

Uzbekistan
Previous Appearances: 7
Best Finish: Fourth - 2011
2019 Result: Round of 16
Fun Fact: Uzbekistan have advanced to the knockout stage in the previous five editions of the Finals

Syria
Previous Appearances: 6
Best Finish: Group Stage 
2019 Result: Group Stage 
Fun Fact: The closest Syria have come to advancing past the group stage was in 1980 and 1996 - when they finished third in their group

India
Previous Appearances: 4
Best Finish: Runners-up - 1964
2019 Result: Group Stage
Fun Fact: India have qualified for back-to-back Finals for the first time

Islamic Republic of Iran, three-time champions and semi-finalists in 2019, will be expected to dominate Group C, with the United Arab Emirates - whose campaign ended at the last four stage on home soil four years ago - expected to seal the second automatic slot in the Round of 16.

Hong Kong, China and Palestine, however, will be fired up for the challenge of taking on two of the continent’s biggest teams. 

IR Iran
Previous Appearances: 14
Best Finish: Champions - 1968, 1972, 1976 
2019 Result: Semi-finals
Fun Fact: Iran have not reached the final since winning their third title in 1976 

UAE
Previous Appearances: 10
Best Finish: Runners-up - 1996
2019 Result: Semi-finals 
Fun Fact: UAE have made the semi-finals of the previous two editions of the Finals

Hong Kong, China 
Previous Appearances: 3
Best Finish: Third - 1956 
2019 Result: Did not qualify
Fun Fact: Hong Kong, China will be making their first appearance in the Finals since 1968

Palestine
Previous Appearances: 2
Best Finish: Group Stage 
2019 Result: Group Stage 
Fun Fact: Palestine will feature in the Finals for the third consecutive time