Which teams are favourites to win the AFC Asian Cup 2023?

Al Jazeera takes a look at the top five favourites to lift the AFC Asian Cup crown in Qatar.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023, hosted by defending champions Qatar, starts on January 11.

A glittering array of star names are spread across some of the favourite teams vying to be crowned Asia’s best. Here are five of the best squads:

Defeated in the final by Qatar in 2019, Japan are the clear favourites to lift the Asian Cup trophy this time, which would mark a record-extending fifth crown. The resources of the highest ranked FIFA team (17th) at the Asian Cup are so strong that Japan’s coach, Hajime Moriyasu, has been able to leave out Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada.

To make that decision even more controversial is the selection of Kauro Mitoma, who was initially ruled out for six weeks by his club Brighton when he injured his ankle in December. It’s a huge gamble by Moriyasu and one that could backfire spectacularly if Mitoma fails to return to full fitness – and, with it, the form that has seen him backed so vehemently by his coach.

Waturo Endo, who has seamlessly switched from Stuttgart to Liverpool this season, will provide the core stability in Japan’s midfield and is a proven performer.