Central Asian countries submit joint bid to host 2031 Asian soccer cup
Central Asia aims to host continent’s top football event for first time, faces stiff competition from regional heavyweights
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — In a historic first, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2031 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup, aiming to bring premier football tournament to Central Asia for the first time.
According to The Times Of Central Asia, the bid was submitted on February 24 and is being seen as a pivotal opportunity for the region to showcase its growing football infrastructure and talent on an international stage. Central Asia Football Association (CAFA) President Rustam Emomali, who is also the son of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, expressed optimism about the bid. “Our region has never hosted the final part of the Asian Cup. I think the time has come,” he said.
The bid faces strong competition from countries like the UAE, Kuwait, Australia, Indonesia, and South Korea, all of which have expressed interest in hosting the 2031 tournament. None of the three Central Asian nations have previously hosted a top-tier football event, although Uzbekistan has hosted the AFC U-20 and U-23 Championships and the 2024 Futsal World Cup.
While enthusiasm is high, some fans have expressed concerns about promotion and visibility. Uzbek football fan Farrukh Irnazarov noted that events like the Futsal World Cup lacked public awareness, saying, “Uzbekistan takes security seriously, but the event wasn’t heavily publicized.”
To meet AFC requirements, the bidding nations must complete stadium upgrades by 2026. Uzbekistan is currently the most prepared, with international-capacity stadiums in Tashkent, Namangan, Fergana, and Qarshi. Bishkek has offered to host the final in a proposed 50,000-seat stadium, while Tashkent and Dushanbe are revamping venues to meet semi-final standards, which require two 40,000-seat stadiums.
If the joint bid succeeds, all three host nations would automatically qualify for the 2031 tournament. Uzbekistan previously achieved Central Asia’s best result in 2011 with a fourth-place finish, and expectations are high for a deeper regional impact.
Hosting the event could bring significant economic and social benefits. Aidana Otorbaeva, vice-president of the Kyrgyz women’s football association, highlighted its potential impact beyond men’s football. “This can bring more investment and recognition to women’s and youth football, where we still face challenges like lack of facilities and coaching,” she said.
Sherzod Ibragimov, head coach of Uzbekistan’s U-17 team, emphasized the long-term benefits of foreign investment. “International attention can eventually reduce the need for state funding as foreign sponsors take a more active role,” he said.
Modernized stadiums could also make Central Asia more attractive for international friendlies, drawing teams from across Asia and even Europe. The potential tourism boost is another major incentive. When the UAE hosted the tournament in 2019, the influx of fans led to increased revenue in hospitality and retail sectors—something Central Asia hopes to replicate.
Tajik U-17 head coach Marco Ragini captured the regional sentiment: “This is the right time to bring change to football in Central Asia. It’s an opportunity to put our football on the map.”
The AFC is expected to announce the winning bid in 2026.
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