The Asian Cup will be hosted by Australia for the first time over three weeks from 9 January 2015, featuring 32 world-class football matches, with NSW matches to be played at Newcastle Stadium and Stadium Australia, including the final on 31 January 2015.

“The NSW Government has secured one of the biggest events on the international football calendar and it is fantastic that Sydney will host the Draw of the 2015 Asian Cup,” Ms Upton said.

“The 16 nations, which qualify for the Asian Cup, will be divided into four pools of four teams at the official draw in March to be held at the Sydney Opera House.

“It is expected that the draw will be televised live around Asia, meaning all those nations involved will have their eyes firmly fixed on Sydney.”

Having already secured the final, along with another six matches, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said, “This is another example of the NSW Government, working to position Sydney and NSW as a world-class host for major sporting events and as an attractive tourist destination.”

“This is a fantastic win for Sydney and NSW with the heads of the 16 football nations to be present for the draw.

“Football continues to grow in popularity in Australia and the Asian Cup will provide a wonderful opportunity for NSW to host some of the world’s best players,” Mr Souris said.

Sydney will welcome AFC President, Sheikh Salman, AFC Organising Committee Chairman, Prince Abdullah Shah, AFC General Secretary, Dato’ Alex Soosay, members of the AFC Executive Committee and the head coaches and officials from the qualifying nations.

Michael Brown, CEO of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 Australia Local Organising Committee, said, “The Sydney Opera House is an iconic location and the Asian Cup is an iconic sporting event.”

“It’s the perfect fit – a prestigious venue for Asia’s most prestigious tournament.

“It’s in keeping with our goal to deliver a world-class event in January 2015, and it’s fitting that the draw will take place in the great city that will host the final,” he said.

Mr Brown said the draw would add flesh to the organisational bones of Australia’s biggest football tournament, and excitement was building among fans.

“On 26 March next year, we will know exactly which teams are playing, who they will be playing against and where they will be playing,” he said.

“Fans will finally know which matches they can see in our five host cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Newcastle.”

Twelve nations have already qualified for AFC Asian Cup 2015 – Australia as host, defending champions Japan, South Korea and North Korea, along with recent qualifiers Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

A further four spots are at stake; one in the AFC Challenge Cup and a further three in the final round of qualifying matches on 5 March, 2014.

Newcastle Stadium will host the following matches:

  • Two qualifying matches

  • Second semi-final on 27 January, 2015

  • 3rd v 4th playoff on 30 January.

Stadium Australia will play host to the:

  • Four qualifying matches including the Socceroos’ qualifying game on January 13

  • Quarter final scheduled for January 23

  • First semi-final on 26 January

  • Final on 31 January.