Bahrain, China, Iran, Japan, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan have reached the finals through the qualifying competition.

Qatar qualify as hosts while Asian champions Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic earned their places by finishing in the top three of the 2007 finals.

India are there because of their victory at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.

Just four spots remain. One goes to the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup winners while the other three will be determined during the final round of qualifiers on March 3.

Major milestone

Ryan Healy, AFC Asian Cup Director, said the start of the one-year countdown heralds the beginning of an exciting build-up to Asia’s premier national team competition.

“The one-year countdown marks an important milestone in the preparations for the AFC Asian Cup,” Healy told the-afc.com.

“The 16 finalist teams are all but confirmed and planning is progressing well with the Qatar Local Organising Committee.

“We look forward to some exciting events in the build-up to the competition, starting with the Final Draw for which we hope to announce the date and venue shortly.”

Qatar profile

For hosts Qatar, the chance to host the finals will not only help boost football in the region but also raise the country’s international standing, according to Saoud Al Mohannadi, Chief Executive Officer of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 Qatar Local Organising Committee.

He said Qatar are well on track to staging the tournament, which is expected to generate global attention from the international media.

“With a year to go, our preparations are well underway to stage Asia’s premier football tournament,” said Al Mohannadi.

“We are proud to be hosts of such a major sporting event and look forward to welcoming the 15 other qualifying countries.

“This tournament will once again demonstrate that Qatari hospitality is second to none. It will also provide us with an opportunity to enhance our reputation as a regional hub for major international sporting events.”

Race is on

Meanwhile the race for three of the final four places goes down to the wire on March 3.

A tense battle in Group B has three teams – Kuwait, Australia and Oman – battling it out for the top two automatic qualification places.

Kuwait and Australia drew 2-2 in Kuwait City on Wednesday, giving both teams eight points from five matches, one point ahead of Oman.

In the final round, Australia host bottom side Indonesia at the Suncorp Stadium while Oman are at home to the Kuwaitis, who need a draw to go through.

In Group E, Thailand, Singapore and Jordan are all vying to join group winners Iran in the final.

The Iranians have 10 points from five matches with Thailand and Singapore on six points each and Jordan on five.

The Thais have the tougher task of having to play Iran at the Azadi Stadium while Jordan must look for victory at home to Singapore to make sure of their place in the Qatar finals.