Asian Cup 2023: Top Favorites and Players to Watch

Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran are the top contenders in the tournament, with key players like Son Heung-Min, Kaoru Mitoma, and Salem Al-Dawsari expected to shine.

Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran are the top favorites to win the AFC Asian Cup 2023, which is set to begin on January 12 in Qatar.
Key players to watch out for include Son Heung-Min and Kim Min-Jae from South Korea, Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo from Japan, Salem Al-Dawsari from Saudi Arabia, and Alireza Jahanbakhsh from Iran.
Japan's coach, Hajime Moriyasu, has controversially selected Kauro Mitoma, who is recovering from an ankle injury, over Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada.
South Korea's Son Heung-min, a three-time Asian Footballer of the Year, is expected to lead his country's efforts to close the gap on Japan's record number of Asian Cup wins.
Saudi Arabia, who defeated Argentina in the group stage at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, are considered strong challengers, with players like Firas Al-Buraikan and Nawaf Al-Aqidi expected to make an impact.