Even though the men’s FIFA World Cup has come to an end for another four years, the coming year promises plenty of great football action across the world. Here is a look at some of the most anticipated football matches taking place during 2023.
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2023 AFC Asian Cup Final
Due to be held between 16 June and 16 July 2023 in Qatar (after China withdrew due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournament is sure to feature some exciting matches, including the final. In total, 24 teams will take part in the competition, which is held every four years. As well as hosting the tournament, Qatar is the defending champion. Iran, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are also among the favourites to lift the trophy.
AIFF Super Cup Final
Suspended between 2020 and 2022 due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Hero Super Cup returns in 2023. Due to take place between 1 April and 14 May, the competition will feature 23 teams, 11 from the Indian Super League and the remaining 12 from the I-League. The final will be staged at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The last time the competition was held, in 2019, Goa beat Chennaiyin in the final at Kalinga Stadium in Odisha, 2-1.
2023 FA Cup Final
For fans of English football, one of the most important upcoming sports events is the Football Association (FA) Cup Final, which will be held at Wembley Stadium in London on 3 June 2023. The reigning champion is Liverpool, which won 6-5 on penalties in the 2022 contest, narrowly beating Chelsea. The competition started in September 2022, with the lower tier teams. The Premier League sides will join in the third round, and fans can expect some shocks on the road to Wembley.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final
Hot on the heels of the men’s World Cup, the women’s tournament will be held at venues across Australia and New Zealand between 20 July and 20 August 2023. It will be the ninth time the competition has been staged. The 2023 tournament will feature 32 teams from across six confederations. The final will be hosted at Stadium Australia in Sydney. The US looks to be the team to beat, having lifted the trophy on the previous two occasions.
Men’s UEFA Champions League Final
On 10 June, Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul will host the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League final. The venue also hosted the 2005 final, when Liverpool beat AC Milan 3-2 on penalties. The latest, 68th season of the European club tournament started on 21 June 2022, with the knockout stages due to begin in February 2023. Real Madrid won the 2021/22 final, beating Liverpool 1-0 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
With plenty of domestic and international matches also filling up the calendar over the next 12 months and beyond, football fans worldwide can look forward to a bumper year of action on the pitch.
